Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening

Latest Episodes:

Is Homegrown Produce More Nutritious? How Your Soil Makes the Difference - Ep. 260 Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode, I unpack the shocking truth about nutrient loss in modern fruits and vegetables. A 2023 review found that today’s produce contains significantly fewer vitamins and minerals than in decades past. Some nutrients have dropped by up to 80% since the 1950s!

We explore how industrial agriculture, depleted soils, and synthetic fertilizers have impacted our food and, more importantly, how we as home gardeners can grow more nutrient-rich produce by focusing on soil health. Soil nerds, unite!

I talk about the essential role of soil microbes and organic matter in our soil in creating nutritious food (and how synthetic fertilizers can’t compete), how composting, mulching, and no-till gardening can restore soil health, and give you actionable tips for increasing nutrient density in your own garden. If you care about what goes into your food and on your family’s plate, this is a must-listen. Let’s dig in!

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

Referenced episodes:

Ep. 18 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Plant Nutrients and Why You Need to Know Them

Focal Point Friday: Plant Nutrient Basics

Compost Episodes

Find the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/is-homegrown-produce-more-nutritious-how-your-soil-makes-the-difference-ep-260

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How to Extend Your Gardening Season with Successful Fall Crops - Ep. 259 Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

This week I share how to take your fall garden from conceptto cultivation. Learn when to plant, what to grow, and how to extend your harvest well into winter. Discover why fall gardening is more than just practical - it's backed by science and perfect for nutrient-dense, flavorful produce with fewer pests!

What You’ll Learn:

The science behind why fall gardens are nutritionally and logistically smart

Best timing strategies based on frost dates and daylight reduction

Fall-friendly crops and succession planting strategies

Tips for season extension using row covers and container gardening

How to improve soil health and prep beds for fall success

Let’s dig in!

Save20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW at https://heirloomroses.comReady to plan your fall garden? Join the free Fall GardenChallenge now: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/fall

Resources:

Fall Garden Seed Starting Secrets - Ep. 257: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/fall-garden-seed-starting-secrets-ep-257

Find your frost dates: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates

Find the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/how-to-extend-your-gardening-season-with-successful-fall-crops-ep- 259

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5 Quick Crops to Fill Summer Garden Gaps - Ep. 258 Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

This week we dig into the strategy of mid-to-late summersuccession planting—how to make the most of garden space left vacant by spring crop failures or early harvests. I share five heat-loving, fast-maturing crops you can direct sow now to squeeze in one last summer harvest before fall. Learn how to keep your beds productive, beat pest cycles, and maximize soil health, all without needing indoor seed starts.

What You’ll Learn:

Why filling summer garden gaps matters
Key traits of good late-summer crops
My top five heat-loving, fast-growing picks

Let’s dig in!

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roseswith code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

For full show notes visit https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episodes/5-quick-crops-to-fill-summer-garden-gaps-ep-258

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Fall Garden Seed Starting Secrets - Ep. 257 Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Fall might still feel far off, but if you want a successful fall harvest, now is the time to start those seeds indoors. Today on Just Grow Something, I walk you through the step-by-step timing strategy for indoor seed starting specifically for fall gardening.

Learn how to:

Calculate back from your first fall frost date to find yoursowing and transplanting windows

Adjust days to maturity using the “fall buffer” method

Choose the best crops to start indoors based on your zone and daylight hours

Utilize strategies for short-season gardeners and season extenders

From understanding the Persephone period to selectingshort-season varieties, this episode equips you with the tools to master indoor seed starting for the fall garden. Let’s dig in!

Fall Buffer Chart:

Planting Window Before Frost: Days to Maturity Adjustment

> 11 weeks: +10% buffer

8–10 week: +20% buffer

5–7 weeks: +40% buffer

3–4 week: +70% buffer

Links:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

Seed to Sprout Course: https://www.justgrowsomething.com/indoor-seed-starting

Resources:

Plant Growth Factors: Temperature

Sowing Planting Calculation | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

Fall Vegetable Gardening | UGA Cooperative Extension

Find the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/fall-garden-seed-starting-secrets-ep-257

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How to Harvest, Cure, and Store Garlic and Onions - Ep. 256 Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Your summer garlic and onion harvest are ready, now what? You spent a lot of time and energy getting this crop to maturity, let’s not waste that effort by allowing them to go soft before we get to use them.

Today on Just Grow Something, I give expert tips for harvesting, curing, and storing garlic and onions to keep them fresh through next spring. Learn how to recognize when your crops are ready, the best techniques for drying and storing, and how to avoid spoilage. Plus, I share alternative preservation methods like freezing and dehydrating. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned grower, this episode will help you get the most from your harvest.

What You’ll Learn:

When and how to harvest garlic and onions
Ideal curing conditions and duration
How to store for short- and long-term freshness
Alternative storage techniques (oil, freezing, dehydration)
The best types for long-term storage

Let’s dig in!

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

References and Resources:

Garlic episodes: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/search/garlic

Onion episodes: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/search/onion

Loveland Acres Farm: lovelandacresfarm.org

Get 10% off and FREE shipping on my favoriteraised planters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593

Find the show notes at:

https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/how-to-harvest-cure-and-store-garlic-and-onions-ep-256

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Know Thy Weeds: 5 Plant Families Sabotaging Your Garden - Ep. 255 Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

This week we dive deep into the world of garden weeds and how some seemingly harmless plants can actually be Trojan horses harboring pests and diseases. Learn how to identify five major plant families by their flowers, leaves, and growth habits — and why removing these weeds early can protect your precious crops.

Today on Just Grow Something You'll Learn:

The role of alternate hosts in pest and disease cycles
How to identify Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, and Amaranthaceae weeds
Why flower structure is the key to early identification
Tips for weed removal and garden protection

This episode is ad-free in support of Loveland Acres Farm. Please consider donating at lovelandacresfarm.org to support Scarlett's vital community work.

Visit our sponsor HeirloomRoses.com and save 20% on your order using code JUSTGROW.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spring Interplanting Strategies: What Worked, What Flopped, and Why - Ep. 254 Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

From experimenting with peas shading lettuces to using mint as a living mulch for kale and cucumbers, this week on Just Grow Something I share the successes, tweaks, and surprises of my spring growing season. If you’re looking to maximize yield, minimize weeds, and experiment with companion planting, this episode is packed with all the things. And these can all be repeated for fall! Let's dig in!

What We Cover:

How to use “high, low, fast, slow” principles in garden planning
The pros and cons of using mint as a living mulch
Pairings that worked: Beets & kale, Collards and mint
What didn't work, maybe?: Kohlrabi & beets
How my vegetable persona is... okra?!

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comGet 10% off and FREE shipping on my favorite raisedplanters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

Just Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop

Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

Bonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomething

Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pest Patrol: Mosquitoes and Ticks in the Garden - Ep. 253 Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Summer gardening should be about sunshine and fresh veggies, not swatting and scratching. So, this week on Just Grow Something we dig into the science and strategy behind controlling two of the most irritating garden pests that go after the gardeners, not our plants: ticks and mosquitoes. Learn which ones are in your region, understand the risks they carry, and implement practical, research-backed solutions to protect yourself and your family while in the garden.

From landscape tweaks to personal protection hacks and a game-changing DIY mosquito trap, this episode has everything you need to enjoy your garden bite-free.

We cover:

Common tick species by region and associated diseases
Mosquito types and their disease vectors
Natural vs. chemical repellent options
Landscaping tips to deter pests
How to build a “Bucket of Doom” mosquito trap

Let's dig in!

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

https://homegrownnationalpark.org/mosquito-bucket-challenge/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/in-depth/tick-species/art-20546861?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://extension.psu.edu/using-insect-and-tick-repellents-safely

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/summer_safety_part_3_mosquitoes_and_ticks

https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/ticks/managing-ticks-landscape

https://hawxpestcontrol.com/how-to-treat-standing-water-to-prevent-mosquitoes-in-your-yard

https://extension.sdstate.edu/how-avoid-being-dinner-preventing-tick-and-mosquito-bites

https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-deet-bad-for-you-and-your-kids

https://ticksafety.com/about-ticks/seed-ticks-tick-bombs/

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

Just Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop

Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/

Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

Bonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomething

Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chelsea Chop: How to Prune for Longer Blooms and Healthier Plants - Ep. 252 Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In this short and snippy episode, we dig into a classic gardening technique known as the Chelsea Chop. Named after the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this late spring/early summer pruning method can help home gardeners promote bushier growth, delay blooms for season-long color, and support pollinators with flowering perennials in the garden.

If you’re looking to add more beauty to your veggie garden and boost the productivity of your perennials, this episode is your green-thumb guide to giving those flowers a haircut.

Today on Just Grow Something we're talking:

What the Chelsea Chop is and why it's done
Ideal plants for the technique (Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Phlox, and more)
Different pruning strategies and how to choose the right one
The timing of the chop based on your climate and plant maturity
Benefits for both aesthetics and garden health (more airflow, fewer pests!)

The Chelsea Chop is more than just a cut—it's a strategic move to shape your garden and support pollinators. Let's dig in!

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

RHS Chelsea Chop: https://www.rhs.org.uk/pruning/chelsea-chop

BBC Gardener's World, How to Do the Chelsea Chop: https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/how-to-do-the-chelsea-chop/

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

Just Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop

Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

Bonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomethingAmazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can Gardening Actually Save You Money? - Ep. 251 May 27, 2025

Show notes

There’s a persistent myth floating around on social media that gardening is too expensive to be worth the effort when it comes to saving money on groceries. But what if I told you that with the right strategies, your backyard (or balcony!) garden could not only feed your family but actually save you money?

Today on Just Grow Something, we’re busting the myth thatgrowing your own food can’t compete with grocery store prices. We’ll explore how your location, soil type, and choices in the garden can make a huge difference in your return on investment. From essential tools and inputs to skip-the-splurge items and savvy seed saving, we’re diving deep into the real numbers and practical tips that make gardening not just a hobby—but a financially smart one. Let’s dig in!

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why some crops offer more bang for your buck than others
What you really need to spend money on in your garden—and what you don’t
How to track your gardening costs and harvest value to measure your savings
Budget-friendly strategies like starting from seed, making your own compost, and using free or recycled materials
How to choose crops and garden methods based on your climate and soil type for maximum return

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

Get 10% off and FREE shipping on my favorite raisedplanters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593

USDA Inflation Tracking – Retail Produce Prices: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/fruit-and-vegetable-prices

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

Just Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop

Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/

Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

Bonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomething

Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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