The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Latest Episodes:

451- Growing Cut Flowers & More for a Farmer's Market with Sarah Shuman Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Struggling to figure out how to turn your love of gardening into something you can share—or even sell? In this episode, Sarah walks us through how she built a thriving cut flower business for her local farmers market. You'll hear the practical steps she took, what she wishes she knew sooner, and how she manages growing for both beauty and profit. If you've wondered whether you could do something similar, this conversation gives you hope and a clear starting point.

free download: Garden Cheat Sheet

A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you begin your garden with confidence. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

Key Takeaways

Why selling flowers can be more approachable than selling vegetables
How Sarah planned her first year—and what she'd change
The importance of bloom times, succession planting, and crop selection
How working with a partner shaped the business
What she's learned from customers and community at the farmers market

Chapters

00:00 – Why Sarah chose cut flowers 04:30 – Planning the first flower season 06:20 – Bloom timing and succession basics 10:40 – Overwintering and cool-season flowers 13:40 – Direct sowing vs. plugs 17:30 – Working with a business partner 21:05 – What keeps her motivated 22:50 – The hardest parts of flower farming 25:00 – Planning mistakes in year one 27:45 – Profitable vs. low-profit crops 36:30 – Using plant starts to build early customers 39:10 – Adding microgreens for income 43:40 – What farmers markets taught her about people 47:00 – How to get started selling at a market

Resource Links

Free Garden Cheat Sheet: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/ Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Soft Paid Mention: Complete Garden Planner – A simple system to plan and track your season. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Disclaimer

Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

450 - December Garden Checklist (without the pressure) Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Feeling the pressure of the holidays and shorter days? December gardening doesn't have to add to your stress. Instead of a list of chores, this episode walks you through simple, optional ways to stay connected to your garden—whether it's a mild day outside or a cozy evening indoors. You'll get practical ideas for observing your winter garden, organizing tools, refreshing your raised beds, and preparing for seed starting season.

free download: Seasonal Garden Task List Know what to do each month without guessing. https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

Complete Garden Planner – A simple system to plan and track your season. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Key Takeaways

Simple outdoor tasks you get to do on mild December days
How winter walks help you plan next season with clarity
Easy indoor prep for seed starting and seed organization
Why December is the perfect time for quiet planning routines
Jill's personal after-Christmas tradition for choosing seeds

Chapters

00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Why December doesn't need a to-do list 02:40 – Winter garden walk ideas 06:10 – Spotting drainage issues early 08:00 – Dreaming and planning during quiet moments 09:40 – Organizing tools and supplies 12:50 – Refreshing raised beds 15:10 – Simple repairs and winter builds 17:00 – Indoor seed starting setup 19:40 – Sorting and evaluating seeds 23:00 – Seed longevity basics 26:20 – Gathering seed catalogs 30:10 – Jill's after-Christmas seed tradition 34:00 – Final encouragement

Resource Links

Seasonal Garden Task List (free): https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sponsor(s) for This Episode

Organic Rev — A plant growth stimulant I rely on for stronger seedlings and resilient fall and winter crops. Use code JILL10 for 10% off your order: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer

Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

449 - My Favorite Garden Products (and How to Save on Them Now) Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Struggling to know which garden supplies are actually worth grabbing on Black Friday? In this episode, you'll learn which tools and supplies make the biggest difference next season. We'll walk through raised beds, seed starting, irrigation, fertilizers, and more so you can shop with confidence.

free download: Seasonal Garden Task List

A month-by-month guide so you always know what to do and when. https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

Key Takeaways

Which raised beds and containers are worth the investment
My go-to seed starting lights, trays, and soil mixes
Fertilizers and soil amendments that have made the biggest difference
Easy irrigation setups for raised beds, containers, and Greenstalk planters
Favorite harvest gear, shoes, and tools that make gardening more enjoyable

Brand Partners Mentioned

Organic Rev (code JILL10): http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev
Greenstalk (code JILL10 for $10 off $75): https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk
Garden in Minutes (code Jill): http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Epic Gardening (code JOURNEYWITHJILL): http://journeywithjill.net/epic
Wood Prairie Farms (code JILL5): http://journeywithjill.net/woodprairie

Connect

Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
Recommended Products Hub: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
Complete Garden Planner — plan and track your season with a simple system. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Gardening advice in this podcast is based on my experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and feedback from gardeners in many regions. Your results may differ depending on your climate and growing conditions. Check your local extension service for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

448- 7 Thanksgiving Foods You Can Grow in Your Own Garden: the history, health, and homegrown roots behind your favorite holiday dishes. Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered how much of your Thanksgiving dinner could come straight from your garden? From potatoes to sage, your plate is packed with crops you can grow—and nutrients that nourish your body all winter long. In this episode, Jill shares seven Thanksgiving favorites you can grow yourself (plus one bonus!), and why each one deserves a spot in your garden plan.

🌱 Free Download: Seasonal Garden Task List Stay on track in every season with clear, simple garden to-dos. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

Key Takeaways

Why Thanksgiving foods are some of the most nutrient-dense crops you can grow
How potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash each boost immunity in winter
The best potato varieties for different recipes (mashed, roasted, scalloped)
Tips for growing, curing, and storing potatoes through Thanksgiving
Easy ways to grow green beans, sage, and celery for your holiday table
Why your favorite indulgent dishes may actually help nutrient absorption
Jill's bonus crop you might not expect: cranberries

Resource Links

🌿 Free Seasonal Task List → https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list
🗓️ Friday Emails (newsletter) → https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
🛒 Recommended Brands & Products → https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products
🛍️ Amazon Storefront → https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
🪴 2026 Complete Garden Planner – "Plan and track your garden with ease." https://shop.journeywithjill.net

Sponsors for this Episode

Epic Gardening – Black Friday Sale: 25% off site-wide + extra 5% with code JOURNEYWITHJILL Birdies beds, grow bags, and seed-starting supplies you'll love. 👉 journeywithjill.net/epic As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
GreenStalk Garden – 12 Days of Doorbusters start Nov 20! Save $10 off $75+ with code JILL10 → journeywithjill.net/greenstalk

Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

447 - November Garden Checklist: Protecting Cold-Sensitive Crops, Planting Onions for Spring, and Making the Most of the Final Garden Days Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

When November arrives, it can feel like the garden season is winding down—but there's still so much happening if you know where to look. In this episode, Jill takes you on a walk through her own November garden to show what she's harvesting, planting, and protecting right now. You'll learn how she uses this in-between season to prepare for a strong start next spring while still enjoying small harvests and fresh herbs from the fall garden.

Free Download: 5-Day Garden Audit

Take time to reflect before you plan next year's garden! The free 5-Day Garden Audit helps you assess what worked, what didn't, and what you want to do differently next season. https://journeywithjill.net/audit

Key Takeaways

10 tasks Jill's doing in her Zone 8A garden this November.
How short-day onions fit perfectly after summer crops.
What "growing degree days" mean and why they matter.
Simple ways to protect crops before the first frost.
Why now's the best time to plan your spring garden.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: why November gardening still matters 01:10 – Protecting crops ahead of the first frost 04:30 – Moving the lemon tree and basil to shelter 06:00 – Planting short-day onions after peppers 09:30 – Understanding growing-degree days 14:30 – Interplanting lettuce and testing cold-hardy greens 17:00 – Harvesting and fermenting fall cabbage 19:00 – Small-batch beet pickling tips 20:20 – Overwintering and harvesting herbs 22:30 – Volunteer cilantro and fall collard greens 25:45 – Garlic planting reminders 27:00 – Checking stored onions, potatoes, and garlic 28:10 – Topping off beds with compost for spring

Resource Links

Free 5-Day Garden Audit → https://journeywithjill.net/audit
Friday Emails (newsletter) → https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products → https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products
Podcast Archive → https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast

Soft Mention: 🗓 Plan your best season yet with the 2026 Complete Garden Planner – a printable system for planning, tracking, and staying inspired. https://shop.journeywithjill.net

Disclaimer: Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and feedback from gardeners in other regions. Your results may vary depending on your climate and growing conditions. Always consult local extension resources for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

446 - Overwintering herbs indoors and out Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Worried about what happens to your herbs when frost arrives? In this episode you'll learn which herbs survive winter outside, which to bring indoors, and simple steps to protect them. We'll cover pruning timing, zone hardiness, and indoor care so you go into winter with confidence. Keywords: overwinter herbs, herb winter care, pruning.

live workshop: 5-Day Garden Audit + Optional Live Q&A Reflect on your season and plan smarter for next year. Join the free 5-day email audit; add the live workshop on Thursday, November 6 for $15. https://journeywithjill.net/audit

free download: Herbs Quick Reference Chart One-page, printable cheat sheet for growing and using popular herbs. http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart

Key Takeaways

Know your herb's life cycle (annual, biennial, perennial) and zone limits before winter.
Stop heavy pruning 4–6 weeks before first frost; save shaping for spring.
Cold + wet kills faster than cold alone—prioritize drainage and light mulch after first freeze.
For borderline zones, protect rosemary from wind; use frost cloth or natural boughs.
Bringing herbs indoors? Use bright light, let soil dry slightly between waterings, and check for pests.

Chapters

00:00 – What to expect in winter
03:00 – Rosemary: tender perennial tips
07:00 – Sage: prune in early spring
09:50 – Thyme: divide and overwinter inside
12:20 – Oregano: harvest low before winter
14:30 – Mint & lemon balm: dies back, returns
16:50 – Chives: freeze better than dry
18:40 – Perennial recap & zones
21:50 – Parsley (biennial): winter + spring bolt
24:30 – Cilantro: winter star, bolts in heat
26:40 – Basil/dill: bring in or replant next year
28:40 – General winter herb care
31:00 – Final reminders

Resource Links

Herbs Quick Reference Chart (free): http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Podcast archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Sponsor(s) for this Episode

Organic Rev — I use Rev at transplant and before moving herbs indoors to support roots. Use code JILL10 for 10% off: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

445 - What I Learned... about my capacity in this season of life Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Feeling guilty that your garden doesn't look like it used to? You're not alone. In this episode, I share how my own season of life changed my garden—and how you can adjust yours with less stress and more joy. You'll learn practical ways to right-size your garden for your time, energy, and goals (no shame required).

Seasonal series (starts Nov 2): Garden Audit – free 5-day email Quick daily prompts + optional short videos to review what worked, what didn't, and shape a vision for next season. Join here: https://journeywithjill.net/audit

free download: Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet Your first (or best) garlic crop—timing, spacing, curing. https://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet

Complete Garden Planner – Plan and track your season simply: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Key Takeaways

Your garden should fit your current capacity, not your past one.
Define success for this season: a few crops you love may be enough.
Scale systems, not just space—irrigation, succession planting, simple trellises.
Use transitions (injury, grief, busy years) to pause, simplify, and reset.
Fall is prime for planting garlic; set it up well and let it work all winter.

Resource Links

Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet (free): https://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Podcast archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Sponsor(s) for this Episode

Organic Rev – I mix Rev 50/50 with water to water in garlic trenches and often pre-soak cloves. Use code JILL10 to save 10%: https://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

444 - What I Learned... from planning 10 fall gardens Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

If your fall garden isn't producing the way you hoped—or if you're wondering whether your plants will even mature before frost—this episode is for you. After helping 10 gardeners across the country plan their fall gardens, I noticed clear patterns that explain why some thrive while others struggle.

You'll learn what timing mistakes most gardeners make, how to simplify your plan, and how to maximize your space for more harvests before winter.

Free Download: Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar Plan your fall harvest with confidence—know exactly when to plant for fresh greens all season long. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden

🌿 Key Takeaways

Why most fall gardeners plant too late—and how to fix it.
The surprising reason fall gardening starts in the heat.
How simplifying your plan leads to more success.
Simple ways to double your space with interplanting.
How to use light and microclimates to your advantage.
Why observation beats perfection every time.

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – Why fall gardens often fail 02:40 – Lesson #1: The planting window is earlier than you think 05:00 – Lesson #2: Start in the heat, protect seedlings 07:30 – Lesson #3: Simplify your plan to reduce overwhelm 12:30 – Lesson #4: Use interplanting to double your harvest 15:20 – Lesson #5: Map your sun and shade for better results 18:30 – Lesson #6: Observation over perfection

🌻 Resource Links

Free: Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar → https://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden
Shop the Greenstalk Vertical Planter Sale: https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk – Use code JILL10 for $10 off $75+
2026 Complete Garden Planner: Plan your next season now → https://journeywithjill.net/shop
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden
Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast

🌱 Sponsor

Greenstalk Vertical Planter – Space-saving planters that water evenly from the top down. Use code JILL10 for $10 off $75+. https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk

🪴 Disclaimer

443 - What I learned... from the failures of this season Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Feeling discouraged by garden failures? You're not alone. In this episode, I walk through four issues I faced this year and how I'm troubleshooting each one so you can apply the same practical steps in your garden. You'll learn simple ways to read plant stress, reduce disease and pest pressure, and plan smarter for next season.

free download: Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet Your first (or best) garlic crop—timing, spacing, curing. http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet

Key Takeaways

Why peppers sometimes need light shade in hot summers and when to add it
What root-knot nematodes look like and how cover crops can help
Signs of southern blight on peppers and prevention options
Bitter vs. diseased cucumbers: what to change next season
A gentle reminder to list your wins before planning fixes

Chapters

00:00 – Why failure grows better gardeners
02:18 – Reframe: successes you might be missing
04:12 – Failure #1: Bell peppers + full-sun stress
08:53 – Failure #2: Okra + root-knot nematodes
19:35 – Sponsor break: Organic Rev + garlic routine
21:28 – Time-sensitive: Greenstalk warehouse sale
23:06 – Failure #3: Jalapeños + southern blight clues
30:22 – Failure #4: Cucumbers—bitterness vs. downy mildew
34:36 – Reflect, note, and plan next steps

Resource Links

Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet (free): http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden — As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sponsor(s) for this Episode

Organic Rev – I soak garlic cloves 50/50 Rev-to-water before planting and often water in at ~1 oz/gal during cool-season transplants. Use code JILL10 for 10% off: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Greenstalk Vertical Planter – Warehouse sale through October 21. Grab closeout colors while supplies last. Use code JILL10 for $10 off $75+: https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Soft Paid Mention Complete Garden Planner – Plan and track your season simply: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

442 - What I learned... Visiting GreenStalk: The Story You Don't See Online Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Struggling to tell which garden products are worth your money? You're not alone. Today I'm sharing what I learned on a behind-the-scenes visit to GreenStalk in Knoxville—how they design, test, and support a planter I've used for five years. You'll leave with practical ways to use a vertical planter this fall for salad greens, herbs, and flowers.

free download: Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar Plant at the right time for fresh greens all season. http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden

Key Takeaways

How a family-owned US company designs and tests products for real gardeners.
Why quality materials and thoughtful R&D matter (and how that shows up in the planter).
Practical fall ideas for your vertical planter: salads, herbs, pansies, and more.
The role of good customer service—and how feedback shapes better products.
When a vertical planter makes sense for beginners and for large-garden add-ons.

Chapters

00:02 – Why I only share vetted tools 01:45 – Welcome & what to expect in this series 03:06 – Why fall is the perfect time for this story 04:17 – My first GreenStalk in 2020 05:40 – Five years of testing: what's worked 07:36 – Meet the family behind GreenStalk 09:06 – The affiliate weekend invite 11:31 – First impressions & thoughtful hospitality 13:48 – Community with fellow gardeners 16:02 – Touring R&D and prototypes 18:27 – Designing lids & the auto-watering system 20:34 – Quality over shortcuts 22:56 – Caring for employees in a tech-driven world 24:24 – US-made parts and sourcing 26:22 – Why this product helps new gardeners start 27:40 – My favorite fall uses (greens, pansies) 29:40 – Clearance event details + my code 30:40 – Final encouragement: why I recommend them 31:49 – What's coming next week

Resource Links

Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar (free): http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden

Connect

Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
Podcast archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Soft mention

Complete Garden Planner – plan and track your season simply: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Sponsor(s) for this Episode

GreenStalk Vertical Planter – Family-owned, US-made vertical planters I've used for five years. Use code JILL10 for $10 off a $75 purchase: https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer

Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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