Ever wondered if you can actually grow apple trees organically—and get fruit? Or maybe you’ve got a tree that’s not thriving and you’re not sure why. In this episode, certified arborist and fruit tree expert Susan Poizner joins me to answer the most common questions about growing apple trees at home.

We’ll talk about: 🍎 Choosing the right variety & planting tips 🍎 What your young tree needs in years 1–3 for long-term success 🍎 How to revive a neglected or underperforming tree 🍎 Organic pest control that actually works 🍎 When and how to prune for health and productivity

Plus, we tackle listener questions about borers, bark peeling, spraying schedules, squirrel damage, watering, and where to buy quality trees.

If you’ve got an apple tree—or want to grow one—you don’t want to miss this episode!

🎧 Listen now and grow with confidence.

Follow along with Susan on Facebook & Instagram: @orchardpeople

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes | Heirloom Roses

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order.

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

Garden in Minutes

Water your raised beds more efficiently and effectively with the Garden in Minutes Garden Grids. These garden grids take about 1 minute to set up, water all of your plants evenly at their base, and ship in pre-assembled sections! No messy emitters or tangle of tubing. Just connect & grow! https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 

Discount Code: Use promo code JILL for 7% off your purchase

Heirloom Roses

HeirloomRoses.com has over 900 roses to choose from and hundreds of perennials and bulbs for your complete garden dreams. Get yours today and check out their selections here.

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Have you ever wondered if you could fill a raised bed with 100% compost? Or whether pressure-treated wood is actually safe for gardens? In today's episode, I sit down in person with Gardener Scott to tackle common raised bed myths and smart strategies for growing success — whether you're gardening on a patio or across a backyard full of beds.

💬 Topics we cover:

• Should you grow in 100% compost?

• Is pressure-treated wood safe for raised beds?

• When to use a GreenStalk planter vs. a raised bed

• How native soil, compost, and minerals all work together

• What biosolids are — and should you avoid them?

• Mistakes we both made (and how you can avoid them!)

📚 Learn more about Gardener Scott's new book, Gardener Scott’s Guide to Raised Bed Gardening — a must-read if you're building or improving your beds this season!

🎯 Bonus: Today (May 20) is the LAST DAY to grab my Beginner’s Guide to Growing Herbs mini-course on sale for just $19! Learn more here » journeywithjill.net/herbworkshop

🛒 Sponsors:

• Organic REV: Boost your transplant success — get 10% off with code JILL at organicrev.com

• Garden in Minutes: Simplify watering with the Garden Grid™. Save 7% with code JILL at journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes

• Heirloom Roses: Add beauty to your garden — get 20% off roses with code BEGINNER20 at heirloomroses.com

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes 

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

Garden in Minutes

Water your raised beds more efficiently and effectively with the Garden in Minutes Garden Grids. These garden grids take about 1 minute to set up, water all of your plants evenly at their base, and ship in pre-assembled sections! No messy emitters or tangle of tubing. Just connect & grow! https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 

Discount Code: Use promo code JILL for 7% off your purchase

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Herbs are some of the easiest — and most rewarding — plants you can grow, but getting started can bring up a lot of questions. Where should you plant them? Should you start from seed or buy transplants? Which ones will keep growing year after year? In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through the five easiest herbs for beginners and help you plan where and how to grow them successfully. Plus, I’ll share some tips to avoid common herb-growing mistakes.

In this episode:

• My top 5 easiest herbs to grow: basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, and chives 🌿

• Where to plant herbs: containers, raised beds, or ground beds

• When to start herbs from seed and when to buy transplants

• Tips for maximizing your herb harvest

Special Offer:

🎉 This week only! Get my Beginner’s Guide to Growing Herbs mini-course for just $19 (regularly $29)! Learn to grow 11 kitchen herbs from start to finish. Sale ends May 20 — sign up at journeywithjill.net/herbworkshop!

Thank you to today’s sponsors:

• Garden in Minutes: Simplify your watering with the Garden Grid™. Get 7% off with code JILL at journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes.

• Organic REV: Give your transplants a strong start this season. Save with code JILL10 at organicrev.com.

• Heirloom Roses: Add beauty and resilience to your garden with own-root roses. Use code BEGINNER20 for 20% off at heirloomroses.com.

Show Notes:

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Are you ready to take your herb gardening and foraging skills to the next level? In today’s episode, author Bevin Cohen joins me to share practical, beginner-friendly advice on growing, harvesting, and using herbs throughout the seasons. We explore common herbs like calendula, dill, chickweed, plantain, dandelion, and parsley—and even touch on wild foraging and preserving herbs for year-round use. Whether you’re growing in your backyard or exploring weeds in your garden, this episode will inspire you to see herbs in a whole new way!

In This Episode:

• 🌿 Why thinking seasonally matters when growing and using herbs

• 🌼 Practical tips for calendula, dill, chickweed, dandelion, and parsley

• 🥗 Ways to forage common garden "weeds" like chickweed and lamb’s quarters

• 🌻 Unexpected uses for sunflowers in your garden

• 🍃 How to properly dry herbs like chickweed for long-term use

• 🧴 DIY ideas for infused oils, vinegars, and natural remedies

• 📚 A behind-the-scenes look at Bevin’s new book Herbs in Every Season

Links for this Episode:

• 📗 Herbs in Every Season by Bevin Cohen — Get it here

• 🌿 Herb Cheat Sheet — Download here

• 🛒 Organic Rev — organicrev.com (Use code JILL10 for 10% off)

• 🛒 Heirloom Roses — heirloomroses.com (Use code BEGINNER20 for 20% off roses)

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV 

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Have you ever dreamed of growing lemons but didn’t know where to start—or tried and failed like I have? In this episode, I’m diving into the world of Meyer lemons: the sweet, compact citrus tree that’s perfect for container gardening in Zones 8 and below.

In this episode: 🍋 [00:01:30] Why Meyer lemons are the go-to citrus for home gardeners 🍋 [00:06:10] Choosing the right container and soil mix (and what not to do) 🍋 [00:13:20] Tips for planting and where to place your tree for success 🍋 [00:17:40] Seasonal care: watering, humidity, fertilizing, and winter protection 🍋 [00:27:00] Is it actually worth it? I ran the numbers—here’s what I found 🍋 [00:32:15] Organic vs. store-bought lemons: what's really on that peel?

Links & Sponsors: 🌿 Garden in Minutes – Get 7% off Tomato Cages with code JILL at GardenInMinutes.com 🪴 Organic REV – Save with code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com 🌹 Heirloom Roses – Use code BEGINNER20 for 20% off at HeirloomRoses.com (valid through Sept. 30, 2025)

Research links:

https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/pucker-it%E2%80%99s-time-talk-lemons

https://www.bhg.com/grow-lemon-tree-in-pot-8686828

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-dwarf-citrus/

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

In this episode, we explore how backyard gardeners can apply market farming techniques to grow healthier, more productive gardens with Pam Dawling author of Sustainable Market Farming. From disease and pest control to crop rotation and weeding, our guest shares practical, sustainable strategies drawn from real-world farming experience. 

Topics we cover include: 🌱 Easy-to-apply disease management practices 🧹 Smart, chemical-free weed control (and a realistic weeding schedule) 🐛 Organic pest prevention strategies, including trap crops and netting 🔁 How to rotate crops in small spaces—and why it matters 🧠 Common myths and misconceptions about organic gardening

Plus, hear how Pam's book can help you garden with more confidence and fewer headaches.

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes | Heirloom Roses

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

Garden in Minutes

Water your raised beds more efficiently and effectively with the Garden in Minutes Garden Grids. These garden grids take about 1 minute to set up, water all of your plants evenly at their base, and ship in pre-assembled sections! No messy emitters or tangle of tubing. Just connect & grow! https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 

Discount Code: Use promo code JILL for 7% off your purchase

Heirloom Roses

HeirloomRoses.com has over 900 roses to choose from and hundreds of perennials and bulbs for your complete garden dreams. Get yours today and check out their selections here.

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Have you ever wondered how gardeners knew when to plant before weather apps, frost charts, or ChatGPT? Today we’re talking phenology—the art (and science) of reading nature’s cues to time your planting.

🌼 Forsythia blooms, dandelion sightings, and dogwood flowers... 🌱 Old-school wisdom meets modern science 📝 Practical examples and tips to start your own phenology journal

Whether it’s frogs croaking or oak leaves the size of a mouse’s ear, nature has a lot to say—if we know how to listen.

🌿 Don't forget: Dream to Garden is now open for the LAST time this spring! Join now

📣 Sponsors:

• Garden In Minutes – Simplify your watering with their all-in-one raised bed bundles & Garden Grid™ system. Use code JILL at journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes to save 7%.

• Organic REV – Boost transplant success with this microbial powerhouse. Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com.

• Heirloom Roses – Start your dream rose garden with premium own-root roses. Visit HeirloomRoses.com and use code JILL to save 10% on your order.

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Today’s my average last frost date—maybe it’s yours too. So, is it time to plant everything? Not so fast. In this episode, we’re diving into what your last frost date really means and why it’s more of a guidepost than a green light.

We’ll cover: 🌱 What the “average last frost date” actually means 🌱 Why warm-weather crops might still need to wait 🌱 How soil temps, night temps, and forecasts factor in 🌱 What to do if a cold snap hits after you’ve planted 🌱 Tips for protecting your plants and setting them up to thrive

Plus, I’ll share a few hard-learned lessons from my early gardening days—and how a soil thermometer, weather watching, and a little patience can go a long way.

🎥 Don’t forget: The Productive Gardener’s Blueprint is now available to watch on demand! I re-recorded it with updates for April planting—perfect for this exact moment in the season. Watch it at journeywithjill.net/masterclass

And we’re opening up Dream to Garden one last time this spring—learn more at journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes 

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

Garden in Minutes

Water your raised beds more efficiently and effectively with the Garden in Minutes Garden Grids. These garden grids take about 1 minute to set up, water all of your plants evenly at their base, and ship in pre-assembled sections! No messy emitters or tangle of tubing. Just connect & grow! https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 

Discount Code: Use promo code JILL for 7% off your purchase

Heirloom Roses

HeirloomRoses.com has over 900 roses to choose from and hundreds of perennials and bulbs for your complete garden dreams. Get yours today and check out their selections here.

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

April is here, and garden season is in full swing! But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks ahead, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking it all down so you can focus on what’s most important and skip the stress. We’ll cover:

🌱 Essential garden tasks to tackle this month 🌿 What to plant based on your last frost date 🚫 Common pitfalls to avoid so your garden thrives

Whether you're prepping beds, setting up irrigation, or keeping an eye on bolting crops, this episode will help you enter April prepared and excited for the season ahead.

Mentioned in This Episode: 🛒 My favorite garden tools & supplies: Amazon List 💧 Garden In Minutes: Save 7% with code JILL 🌹 Heirloom Roses: Save 20% with code BEGINNER20 🌱 Organic REV: Save with code JILL10

Next Week: What to do when your average frost date arrives!

Listen now and step into April with confidence! 🎧✨

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes | Heirloom Roses

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

Garden in Minutes

Water your raised beds more efficiently and effectively with the Garden in Minutes Garden Grids. These garden grids take about 1 minute to set up, water all of your plants evenly at their base, and ship in pre-assembled sections! No messy emitters or tangle of tubing. Just connect & grow! https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 

Discount Code: Use promo code JILL for 7% off your purchase

Heirloom Roses

HeirloomRoses.com has over 900 roses to choose from and hundreds of perennials and bulbs for your complete garden dreams. Get yours today and check out their selections here.

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Cargill to dive deep into one of his favorite fruits to grow—blackberries! Whether you're a beginner or have been growing blackberries for years, this conversation is packed with insights. Chad shares his passion for blackberries, the best varieties to grow, tips for pruning and trellising, and how to get the sweetest harvest possible. We also discuss the importance of timing your picks, dealing with pests, and what to expect as your blackberry plants mature.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why blackberries are a great fruit for home gardeners
• The difference between primocane and floricane fruiting varieties
• Best trellising and pruning techniques for bigger harvests
• How to pick blackberries at peak ripeness for the best flavor
• What to expect from your blackberry plants over time

Resources & Links:

• Visit Chad’s farm at Smith Ferry Farm
• Recommended blackberry variety: Ponca (developed by the University of Arkansas)
• Learn more about blackberry care from the University of Arkansas Blackberry Breeding Program

Thank You to Our Sponsors: 🌹 Heirloom Roses – Get 20% off any rose order with code BEGINNER20 at heirloomroses.com (Valid through Sept. 30, 2025) 💦 Garden in Minutes – Stress-free, pre-assembled irrigation systems for raised beds. Get 7% off at journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes with code JILL 🌱 Organic Rev – Boost plant health with this organic root growth activator. Get 10% off at organicrev.com with code JILL10

👉 Subscribe to the podcast and join me next week as we talk all about your April garden checklist!

My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

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

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

Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)