Episode 41 – Utah Daisy - Resilient, Wild and Friendly

We’re kicking off a special run of flower-focused episodes on The Beanstalk, and this week we’re starting strong with Utah Daisy. 🌼

John dives into how this tough native flower thrives in hot, dry conditions while blooming steadily all season long for pollinators and wildlife. You’ll learn how to grow it, manage common problems, save seeds, and design a garden that works with nature instead of against it.

Along the way, we nerd out over plant science, talk companion planting, and even set the vibe with a perfect summer garden recipe. If you’re looking to build a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly garden, this episode is for you, fellow Beans.

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Episode 40 — Irrigation — Drips, Drops, and Sanity

Today we’re diving into the surprisingly deep world of irrigation — from watering cans and hoses all the way to drip systems, clay ollas, and passive hydrology.

John shares the saga of how a water main failure transformed his yard into an irrigation experiment, and why consistency matters more than sheer volume when it comes to watering.

We cover practical tools, day-to-day realities, challenges, long-term payoff, and even some ancient techniques that modern gardeners are rediscovering. A cozy and thoughtful long-form episode for anyone looking to water smarter, stress less, and grow stronger. 💧🌱

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Episode 39 — Cauliflower — Creamy, Crinkly and Clever

Today on The Beanstalk we’re talking cauliflower — the creamy, fractal, surprisingly finicky brassica that rewards good timing and consistent care. 

We’ll cover how to grow it, why it’s worth the effort, how to avoid common cauliflower heartbreaks like buttoning, and why Romanesco looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. 

We’ll roast up some cauliflower steaks in the recipe section and geek out about plant evolution in the Garden Nerd Corner. If you’ve ever been curious about how this veggie works, or just want to get better at growing it, this episode is for you. 🌱

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Episode 38 – Swiss Chard – Colorful, Tough, and Tasty

 Swiss chard is one of the most reliable and colorful greens you can grow, and in this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down why it deserves a spot in every garden 🌱. 

From planting and harvesting to dealing with pests and cooking it up in simple, tasty ways, this episode covers everything you need to know. You’ll learn why chard keeps producing when other greens give up and how to make the most of every leaf. 

There’s plenty of practical advice mixed with fun plant facts along the way. If you want a low-stress, high-reward crop, this episode is for you.

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Episode 37 – Brussels Sprouts – Cold-Hardy, Sweet and Productive 

Brussel sprouts are one of the most misunderstood crops in the garden, and today on The Beanstalk, John sets the record straight. 🌱 

From planting and pest control to harvesting after frost and cooking them into something truly crave-worthy, this episode covers everything you need to know to grow great sprouts. You’ll learn why timing matters, what can go wrong, and how to fix it organically. 

Along the way, there are plenty of practical tips and a few fun surprises about this cool-weather classic. If you’ve ever sworn off brussel sprouts, this episode might just change your mind.

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Episode 36 – New Year, New Growth

A new year always feels like a fresh planting season, and this episode of The Beanstalk is all about new growth in more ways than one 🌱 

John reflects on how the podcast began, why community matters more than ever, and what the launch of Patreon means for the future of The Beanstalk. From self-reliance and food security to shared knowledge and slow, steady progress, this episode sets the tone for the year ahead. 

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just found the show, this one’s about growing forward together. 🌾✨

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Episode 35 — Lettuce - Fast, Fresh and Forgiving

Lettuce might seem simple, but growing it at home changes everything 🌿 In this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down how to grow, harvest, and enjoy lettuce for maximum freshness and flavor. 

From pest problems and bolting to companion planting and seed saving, this episode covers everything you need to keep the salads coming. If you want fast wins and big rewards in the garden, lettuce is where it’s at 🥬

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Episode 34 – A Gardener’s Christmas - Holiday Plants & Traditions

Celebrate the season with The Beanstalk in this Christmas special episode! 🎄 John walks through the plants at the heart of holiday tradition, from holly and mistletoe to poinsettias, Christmas cactus, ivy, and evergreen trees. 

You’ll hear some of the fascinating botanical and cultural stories behind each one, learn why they became symbols of the season, and even enjoy a cozy holiday recipe.

Whether you’re curling up by the fire or trimming your tree, this episode brings festive plant lore and cheer to your garden year-round. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, fellow Beans!!

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Episode 33 — Broccoli - Demanding, Nutritious and Surprisingly Productive

Broccoli might look calm, but it’s a demanding, nutrient-packed powerhouse that keeps gardeners on their toes 🥦 

In this episode of The Beanstalk, John digs into how to grow, harvest, and protect broccoli from pests while getting the most flavor and nutrition possible. 

From cool-season timing to soil health, pest battles, and kitchen wins, this episode covers it all. Whether broccoli has betrayed you before or you’re growing it for the first time, this episode will help you get the most bang for your buck. 🌱

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Episode 32 — Spinach - Fast, Fearless, and Foolproof

Spinach might be humble, but it’s one of the hardest-working plants in the garden 🌿

In this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down why spinach is such a powerhouse crop, how to grow it successfully in cool weather, and how to keep it producing before heat sets in.

You’ll learn about harvesting, pests, seed saving, and even how spinach earned its legendary reputation.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this episode proves spinach deserves a permanent spot in your beds. 🌱

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