The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Not sure where to plant garlic without giving up valuable spring garden space? Garlic stays in the garden for months, so where you plant it now matters next spring. In this episode, I'll show you practical garlic planting layouts for raised beds and small gardens.

Free Download: Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet Get the timing, spacing, and growing basics you need for your first (or best) garlic crop. http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet

Learn More about Garlic: Garlic Growing Mini Course

This mini course is a favorite of my audience! If you want to have success growing garlic click here:

journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/garlicworkshop/

Use code GARLIC26 to enroll for just $19 (Reg. $29)

Garlic is one of the easiest crops I grow, but it occupies garden space from fall until late spring or early summer. That means your garlic planting plan needs to account for the broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peppers, and other crops you may want to grow next year.

In this episode, I'm sharing several ways to fit garlic into your garden, including borders, relay planting, checkerboard layouts, and dedicated garlic beds. I'll also explain which crops can share space with garlic and which ones I would avoid.

• Treat fall-planted garlic as your first spring planting.

• Leave about six inches between garlic and future plantings.

• Use borders or relay planting to save raised-bed space.

• Pair garlic with crops that will not shade it early.

• Follow garlic with heat-loving summer crops after harvest.

00:00 – Why garlic placement matters 01:11 – Plan for garlic's long season 03:20 – Save room for spring crops 05:36 – Fit garlic into small gardens 07:56 – Try relay planting with garlic 10:13 – Choose good garlic companions 12:34 – Follow garlic with summer crops 13:03 – Protect garlic's sunlight 13:57 – Avoid problematic companions 16:11 – Get step-by-step garlic help

Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet: http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet

Garlic Mini Course: Learn step-by-step how to prepare, plant, grow, harvest, cure, and save garlic for next year. https://journeywithjill.net/garlicworkshop

This workshop/course is a paid product from Journey with Jill.

Connect with Journey with Jill

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 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.

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.

Planting onions in fall might give you an earlier harvest than you thought possible.

If you garden in Zone 7 or warmer, overwintering onions may help you harvest sooner, reduce bolting, and spread your onion harvest across several months.

In this episode, I'm sharing what happened when I tested fall-planted onions in my Zone 8a Arkansas garden and how to decide whether this method could work where you live.

Learn how to choose the right onion type for your location, get your planting timing right, and grow bigger, healthier onions.

Get the Onion Quick-Start Growing Guide

• Decide if fall planting fits your climate.

• Choose onions for your day length.

• Plant smaller transplants to reduce bolting.

• Protect onions during extreme cold.

• Extend your harvest into three months.

00:00 – Why I tried fall onions 01:07 – Who can plant in fall 02:56 – My first fall onion experiment 04:42 – How onions handled winter 06:46 – Raised beds vs. greenhouse 09:11 – Harvest onions earlier 11:31 – Extend your onion harvest 13:56 – Why fall onions bolt less 16:09 – Choose the right transplant size 18:26 – How hardy are onions? 20:43 – Consider zone and latitude 23:06 – Colder-zone considerations 25:21 – Plan your garden space 27:39 – Try onions from seed 28:54 – Is fall planting worth trying?

Onion Quick-Start Growing Guide: Learn the basics of choosing and growing onions for your garden. Get the free guide

Onion Growing Trials YouTube: Did it work? Click to find out: https://youtu.be/vfR2G8daLXE?si=v1_Ed_K-z2o7j6mL

Friday Emails: Get gardening tips, seasonal reminders, and updates from my garden. Sign up for Friday Emails

YouTube: Journey with Jill on YouTube

Instagram: The Beginner's Garden on Instagram

Podcast Archive: The Beginner's Garden Podcast

Recommended Brands & Products: See my recommended gardening products

Amazon Storefront: Shop my Amazon recommendations

Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden season? See the Complete Garden Planner

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.

Your fall garden may be growing the same vegetables you planted in spring, but that doesn't mean they need the same care. Shorter days, warm soil, changing temperatures, and slower growth all affect how you should water, shade, and protect fall crops. In this episode, I'll help you adjust your fall garden care so lettuce, carrots, broccoli, and other cool-season crops have what they need.

Free Download: Spinach Growing Guide

Spinach can be a tricky crop to grow successfully depending on your location. This guide will help you have success.

https://journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/spinach-guide/

• Water more at planting, then taper as fall cools.
• Remove shade cloth once seedlings are established.
• Give broccoli and carrots as much fall sun as possible.
• Plant more lettuce and greens to offset slower growth.
• Protect crops from sudden early freezes when needed.

00:00 – Why fall care is different 02:05 – Adjust watering as temperatures change 05:15 – Use fall shade cloth differently 07:26 – Know when to remove shade 09:47 – Give broccoli more fall sun 11:13 – Why carrots need enough sunlight 13:29 – Plant more fall lettuce and greens 15:42 – Prepare crops for early freezes 18:06 – When to use row covers 20:30 – Learn by observing your garden 21:44 – What's coming next

Seasonal Garden Task List: https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

Friday Emails + Free Growing Guides: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

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.

Thinking about getting a greenhouse but not sure what it can actually do for your garden?

A greenhouse can extend your growing season, protect plants through winter, and give seedlings a head start, but only if you understand how temperature, light, and humidity work together.

In this episode, I'm talking with Leslie about greenhouse gardening for beginners, including what I've learned from using my own greenhouse for the past six years. We'll cover unheated versus heated greenhouses, supplemental grow lights, seed starting, pest prevention, and what to consider before buying a greenhouse.

Check out Leslie's book "Home Greenhouse Revival" here: https://amzn.to/4qMk75Y

Free Download: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault

Get complimentary access to growing guides, charts, and resources to help you grow food with more clarity and less overwhelm.

Get the Beginner's Garden Resource Vault

• Understand what an unheated greenhouse can do

• Use temperature and light to extend seasons

• Know when seedlings need supplemental grow lights

• Prevent greenhouse pests before they spread

• Choose a greenhouse based on your plants

00:00 – How greenhouses extend your season 03:41 – Why unheated greenhouses still help 06:51 – Keep winter crops growing longer 08:29 – How temperature affects plant growth 09:47 – When greenhouse grow lights help 12:07 – Can greenhouses replace indoor seed starting? 14:18 – Choose plants before your greenhouse 16:43 – Beds, containers, and greenhouse zones 19:42 – Why greenhouse size matters 20:23 – Why seedlings grow faster inside 23:06 – How humidity affects plant growth 24:41 – Understanding grow light limitations 26:44 – How plants actually use light 28:07 – Why winter sunlight is weaker 29:54 – Prevent greenhouse pest problems 32:49 – Using beneficial insects indoors 33:35 – What to know before buying 36:41 – Greenhouse growing beyond vegetables

The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: Free growing guides, charts, and resources

Friday Emails: Sign up for Jill's Friday Emails

YouTube: Journey with Jill on YouTube

Instagram: The Beginner's Garden on Instagram

Podcast Archive: The Beginner's Garden Podcast

Recommended Brands & Products: See my recommended gardening brands and products

Amazon Storefront: Shop my recommended gardening products

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy.

Complete Garden Planner

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.

Not sure what to cover your raised bed soil with this winter? Cover crops can build soil, suppress weeds, and even provide living mulch. In this episode, I'll help you choose a cover crop and get started without overcomplicating it.

Free Download: Raised Bed Soil Options

Learn practical, affordable options for building and improving healthy raised bed soil. https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-soil

Cover crops aren't just for large, in-ground gardens. I've been experimenting with them in my raised beds, and I've found several benefits beyond simply adding organic matter. I'll share what happened when I grew mustard and crimson clover, how winter-kill and overwintering cover crops differ, and what you need to think about before choosing one for your garden.

• Choose cover crops by purpose.

• Decide if you want winter-kill.

• Plan around spring planting space.

• Try crimson clover as living mulch.

• Start with just one bed.

00:00 – Why consider cover crops 02:20 – Benefits beyond organic matter 06:57 – Living mulch and pollinators 09:02 – Choose crops by purpose 11:21 – Plan around spring planting 13:41 – Raised bed winter differences 16:00 – What happened with mustard 18:14 – Benefits of winter-kill crops 20:38 – Growing crimson clover strategically 22:55 – Terminating clover for mulch 24:41 – What if cover crops reseed? 27:00 – Beginner-friendly winter-kill options 29:19 – Overwintering cover crop options 31:39 – Start small with cover crops

Cover Crops Start to Finish: https://youtu.be/7x3H6_dSH1g?si=sJx876ZTOBCOQrjV

Beginner's Guide to Cover Crops: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/263-beginners-guide-to-fall-cover-crops

Fall Cover Crops with True Leaf Market: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/198-fall-cover-crops-with-true-leaf-market

Cover Crops for Different Soil Types: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/helen-atthowe-fall-cover-crops-for-different-soil-types

Raised Bed Soil Options: https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-soil

Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube: Journey with Jill on YouTube

Instagram: The Beginner's Garden on Instagram

Podcast Archive: The Beginner's Garden Podcast

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

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.

Think you've missed your chance to plant a fall garden? You may still have time to grow a harvest, even if September is already here. The key is knowing your average first frost date and choosing fall crops that can mature in the time you have left.

In this episode, I'll help you figure out what you can still plant based on the number of weeks before your first frost. We'll cover fast-growing greens and radishes, when transplants make more sense than seeds, and why your USDA zone isn't the best number to use for fall planting.

Know when to plant for fresh greens throughout the fall season. http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden

• Find your average first frost date.

• Choose crops based on time remaining.

• Direct sow fast-growing greens late.

• Use transplants for a head start.

• Expect smaller harvests when planting late.

00:02 – Is it too late to plant? 02:37 – Find your first frost date 05:32 – How much cold crops tolerate 07:38 – What to plant with limited time 10:03 – Easily sow baby greens 12:28 – Add lettuce, kale, and brassicas 14:51 – Options with eight-plus weeks 17:11 – Where to find fall transplants 19:38 – Why a small garden is worthwhile 21:01 – Match crops to your timeline

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

Friday Emails + Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: 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

Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

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.

Trying to plant a fall garden when your beds are still full of summer crops?

You don't have to clear everything at once. A simple bed-by-bed assessment can help you decide what stays, what goes, and where your fall crops can fit.

In this episode, I walk you through how I transition my garden from summer to fall, including how I decide when to remove productive plants, prepare tired soil, add compost, manage mulch and irrigation, and use space underneath taller crops. You'll also learn how I approach direct sowing versus transplants and plan ahead for garlic, onions, and winter beds.

Harvest to Kitchen Learn step-by-step how I preserve my garden harvest through canning, freezing, and dehydrating. Use code PRESERVIT by August 31 for $50 off. https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen

• Decide which summer crops can come out now.

• Identify crops you're ready to stop growing.

• Refresh cleared beds with about two inches of compost.

• Adjust bed prep for seeds versus transplants.

• Use taller summer crops for temporary fall shade.

00:00 – Harvest to Kitchen sale 01:48 – Assess your fall garden space 04:08 – Know what can come out 06:32 – Make room for fall brassicas 08:49 – Remove crops you're done with 11:12 – Plan what comes out soon 13:34 – Refresh soil for fall planting 15:45 – Prep for seeds and transplants 18:09 – Plant beneath taller crops 20:27 – Use temporary shade wisely 22:13 – Try relay planting 23:05 – Give brassicas enough sun 25:19 – Plan for garlic and onions 27:44 – Harvest to Kitchen reminder

Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar: Plan your fall salad garden with planting dates that help you stay on track. http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden

Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube: https://journeywithjill.net/youtube

Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

If preserving your garden harvest is something you want to build into your routine, Harvest to Kitchen walks you through canning, freezing, and dehydrating step-by-step in my kitchen. It includes nearly 60 how-to videos and printable recipes, plus new lessons on freezer pickles and candied jalapeños.

Use code PRESERVIT by August 31 to save $50, bringing the price from $149 to $97.

https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen

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.

You worked hard to grow potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and sweet potatoes. How do you keep them from spoiling before you can use them?

In this episode, I'll walk you through curing and storing root crops so you can extend their storage life and enjoy more of your garden harvest through winter.

You'll learn the practical differences between curing potatoes and sweet potatoes, why carrots are surprisingly simple to store, and how storage changes for onions depending on whether they matured normally or bolted. I'll also explain what to do when your home doesn't have those perfect "textbook" storage conditions.

Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart

Not sure whether freezing, water bath canning, pressure canning, or dehydrating makes the most sense for your harvest? Sign up for four short videos, delivered one per day, to help you decide where to start.

https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving

• Cure potatoes in a cool, dark, ventilated space.

• Give sweet potatoes warm, humid curing conditions.

• Store carrots whole without curing them first.

• Cure storage onions until their necks are completely dry.

• Keep garlic cool and dark after curing.

00:00 – Start with the right preserving method 01:37 – Why root crop storage is different 03:38 – Cure potatoes for longer storage 06:00 – Make home storage conditions work 08:15 – Check potatoes before they spoil 10:22 – Cure sweet potatoes differently 12:43 – Create warm, humid curing conditions 15:02 – Store sweet potatoes after curing 17:23 – Take preserving beyond the basics 19:40 – Store carrots for months 22:03 – Cure onions for storage 24:29 – What to do with bolted onions 26:49 – Choose onions for longer storage 29:08 – Cure and store garlic 31:29 – Keep your harvest through winter

Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart: https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving

Harvest to Kitchen: Learn step-by-step methods for harvesting, freezing, canning, dehydrating, and storing your garden produce. https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen

Harvest to Kitchen is $50 off through August 31. Use code PRESERVEIT to get it for $97 instead of $149.

Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

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.

Fresh garden produce doesn't stay fresh by accident. Learn exactly where to store tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, and more so they last longer and taste their best.

If you've ever wondered whether tomatoes belong on the counter or in the refrigerator, or why cucumbers sometimes get soft no matter what you do, this episode explains the simple science behind better produce storage so you can make the most of every harvest.

Not sure how to preserve everything you're harvesting? This free four-day video series walks you through the basics of freezing, water bath canning, pressure canning, and dehydrating so you can confidently choose the best preservation method for your harvest.

Get started for free: https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving

Ready to go beyond the basics? Harvest to Kitchen teaches you exactly how to preserve your garden harvest with confidence using safe, proven methods.

Sale Price: $97 (Regular Price: $149) Coupon Code: PRESERVEIT

Learn more: https://journeywithjill.net/harvesttokitchen

• Learn why some vegetables belong on the counter while others last longer in the refrigerator.
• Understand how respiration and enzymes affect freshness after harvest.
• Discover why tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and melons all need different storage methods.
• Avoid common storage mistakes that reduce flavor, texture, and shelf life.
• Extend the life of your harvest while maintaining the best eating quality.

Resource Links

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

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.

Feeling overwhelmed by canning and preserving your garden harvest? Wondering if you have to preserve everything you grow to make gardening worthwhile?

In this episode, I share how my approach to food preservation has changed over the last few years and how I've found a healthier balance between growing, preserving, and enjoying life. You'll hear the lessons I learned after stepping back from doing it all, how I'm simplifying my preserving routine, and practical ideas you can use whether you have a large garden or just a few extra tomatoes.

Free Download: Harvest to Jar Estimator

Not sure what to do with 5, 10, or 25 pounds of tomatoes? The free Harvest to Jar Estimator shows you what you can realistically make from different harvest sizes so you can preserve with confidence.

https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar

• Learn how to simplify food preservation without giving it up completely.
• Discover how to prioritize the crops that matter most to your family.
• See practical ways to reduce preserving stress while still stocking your pantry.
• Find freezer, canning, and storage tips that save both time and energy.
• Create a preserving plan that fits your current season of life.

00:00 – Why my preserving approach changed 01:52 – My original preserving goals 04:14 – The setback that changed everything 06:33 – Taking a break from tomato canning 08:55 – Small-batch tomato preserving lessons 10:18 – My 2026 preserving plan 13:03 – Simplifying tomato preservation 17:44 – Scheduling preserving without burnout 20:05 – Deciding what not to preserve 24:20 – Prioritizing what matters most 28:02 – Freezer organization tips 31:22 – Steam canning advantages 33:07 – Garden planning that reduces preserving 35:20 – Finding a sustainable balance 36:15 – Free Harvest to Jar Estimator

Harvest to Jar Estimator (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar

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

Complete Garden Planner 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 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.