Episode 13 - Strawberries - The Sweet Reward of Patience

🍓 In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into one of the most beloved garden crops of all time — strawberries! Whether you’re after juicy June-bearing harvests, steady everbearing plants, or the flexibility of day-neutral types, strawberries can be a sweet reward for any gardener with a little patience.

We’ll cover how to plant and care for them, the importance of runners, and how to keep your strawberry patch thriving year after year. You’ll also learn about the most common pests and problems, along with tried-and-true solutions to keep your berries safe.

And of course, we’ll finish things off in the kitchen with a simple, delicious strawberry basil shortcake recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

So grab your garden gloves and let’s grow something sweet together!

🌿 Episode 12 : Rhubarb : The Tart Titan of the Garden

Welcome back to The Beanstalk! My name is John, and today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated garden crops—rhubarb. This tart perennial veggie masquerading as a fruit has deep roots in garden history and deserves a spot in your patch, especially if you're looking for a low-maintenance, high-reward plant.

In this episode, we’ll explore why rhubarb thrives in cooler climates, how to grow it successfully, when and how to harvest it (without getting into trouble with those toxic leaves), and how to divide it when it gets too cozy. We’ll also whip up a Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, walk through a few common growing issues, and share some rhubarb facts in our trivia segment, The Gardener's Brain Food Corner.

Whether you're rhubarb-curious or already a fan of this tangy titan, you’ll leave this episode with tips, stories, and inspiration to get your patch producing.

🌱 Pull up a chair, pour yourself something iced, and let’s talk tart stems and tasty dreams.

🎧 Episode 11 : Peppers : From Sweet Bells to Fiery Faves 🌶️

In this flavorful episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into the wide world of peppers — from the sweet crunch of bell peppers to the fiery kick of your favorite hot varieties. Learn why peppers are a must-grow crop, how to get them started strong, keep them healthy, and harvest them at peak flavor. We’ll cover common pests and problems, pros and cons, and wrap things up with a simple stuffed bell pepper recipe that’s as garden-fresh as it gets!

Episode 10 : Soils : The Real Foundation of Gardening

In this special 10th episode, we’re digging deep—literally and figuratively—into the world of soil. From native dirt to raised bed mixes, compost, mulches, microbial life, and more, this one’s packed with everything you need to build a strong foundation for your garden. We’ll also touch on fixing tough soil types, handling flooding, and wrap it all up with a cozy recipe for spaghetti, garlic bread, and a fresh garden salad.

Episode 9 : Cucumbers : Crunchy, Cool, and Completely Worth It

Whether you’re growing them for fresh snacking or crispy pickles, cucumbers are a summer garden favorite for good reason. In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into growing both pickling and slicing varieties, from planting and trellising to managing pests like cucumber beetles and powdery mildew. You’ll also learn how to keep your cucumbers from turning bitter, when to harvest, and we’ll wrap up with a quick cucumber salad recipe featuring feta and dill. Cool, crunchy, and totally worth it!

Episode 8 : Growing Kale : A Cold-Hardy Classic

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into one of the most reliable and nutrient-packed crops you can grow—kale! From curly to flat-leafed varieties, we’ll talk about why kale deserves a place in your garden, how to grow it successfully in cooler temps, and how to handle common pests like cabbage loopers. We’ll also highlight the delicious White and Red Russian kale varieties and wrap things up with a hearty recipe: Cheesy Kale & Fried Potato Gratin—a dish that might just make you fall in love with kale all over again.

Episode 7 : Growing Garlic : The Garden MVP

Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a garden powerhouse. In this episode of The Beanstalk, I’m digging deep into how to grow garlic, from planting both hardneck and softneck varieties to harvesting delicious garlic scapes along the way. We’ll talk about timing, spacing, soil needs, and common issues to watch out for. Plus, I’ll share a simple garlic scape pesto recipe that’s perfect for adding a punch of flavor to almost anything. Whether you're a first-time grower or a garlic groupie like me—this one's for you.

Episode 6 : Tomatoes : The Crown Jewel of the Garden 🍅
In this flavorful episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into tomatoes—the beloved staple of every summer garden. Learn how to choose the right varieties, tackle pests like hornworms, and prevent common issues like blossom end rot. We’ll also cover pruning tips and common issues. To top it off, we’re sharing a simple and delicious Garden Fresh Tomato Bruschetta recipe that celebrates your homegrown bounty. Let’s get growing!

Episode 5 : Growing Potatoes : Garden Gold from the Soil
Dig into the basics of growing your own potatoes! In this episode, we cover planting, hilling, harvesting, and storage tips—plus a simple and tasty recipe using your homegrown spuds. Potatoes are one of the easiest and most satisfying crops to grow. Let’s get tuber excited! 🥔

Episode 4 : Growing Squash : Summer Slicers and Winter Keepers

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dig into one of the most rewarding garden crops: squash! From fast-growing zucchini to hearty winter varieties like butternut and acorn, we cover everything you need to know to grow squash successfully. Learn about common pests, tips for healthy plants, and a tasty squash recipe to enjoy the fruits of your labor!