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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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 💚