Feeling unsure about companion planting when you're actually standing in your garden? You're not alone. It's one thing to read charts, but another to decide what goes where in real time. In this episode, you'll learn how companion planting really works, including spacing, timing, and practical garden layout strategies that make sense.

Free download: Companion Planting for Pest Control A simple, practical guide to pairing plants that help naturally reduce pests. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest

If companion planting has ever felt confusing or overly complicated, this episode will walk you through step-by-step principles you can actually use in your garden today.

• Companion Planting for Pest Control (free): http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest
• Beneficial insects episode: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/235-attracting-beneficial-bugs-to-your-garden-with-jessica-walliser
• 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/

Garden in Minutes – Simplify your irrigation setup with an easy-to-install system designed for raised beds. Get 7% off with code Jill: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes

Cozy Earth – Premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and better sleep. Use code JILL for a special discount: https://cozyearth.com

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.

Struggling with poor potato harvests or slow growth? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn how to plant potatoes step-by-step for stronger plants and better yields. From choosing seed potatoes to soil prep and spacing, this potato planting guide will set you up for success.

Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, but planting them correctly makes all the difference. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to do before planting day, including how to choose the right seed potatoes, whether to chit them, and how to prepare your soil. I'll also share what's worked in my garden over the years, including mistakes I've made so you can avoid them.

free download: Seasonal Garden Task List Know what to do each month—no more guessing. https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

• Choose certified seed potatoes to protect your soil and improve yields

• Match potato varieties to your cooking goals and growing season

• Prep soil with organic matter and balanced fertilizer

• Plant at the right depth and spacing for strong growth

• Use mulch or light hilling to protect developing potatoes

• Seasonal Garden Task List (free): https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

Connect:

• Newsletter: 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/

Complete Garden Planner Plan and track your season with my all-in-one downloadable planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Garden in Minutes – Simplify your watering system with easy-to-use garden grids. Use code Jill for 7% off: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes

Cross County Nursery – A trusted source for quality plants to support your garden success.

Wood Prairie Family Farm – Certified organic seed potatoes in a wide range of varieties. Use code JILL5 for 5% off: http://journeywithjill.net/woodprairie

As an affiliate, 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.

Struggling to get carrot seeds to sprout or size up well? In this episode, you'll learn how to plant carrots with better timing, spacing, watering, and thinning so they grow straight, sweet, and strong. If carrot germination has felt unpredictable, this step-by-step planting guide will help you start with confidence.

Carrots can feel simple until you plant them and wait... and wait... and still see bare soil. In today's Planting Day episode, I'm walking you through exactly what to do before and after sowing carrot seeds so you can improve germination, avoid common mistakes, and set yourself up for a better harvest. We'll cover timing, soil prep, spacing, moisture, thinning, and what to expect in those first few weeks so you know your carrot planting is on track.

Free Download: Carrot Quick-Start Growing Guide Get my Free Carrot Quick-Start Growing Guide and quickly learn how to grow straight, sweet carrots in your garden without the guesswork. You'll also get complimentary access to my Beginner's Garden Resource Vault. http://journeywithjill.net/carrot-guide

Key Takeaways

• Learn the best time to plant carrots in spring

• Improve germination with better soil moisture

• Choose carrot varieties that perform reliably

• Thin seedlings the right way for bigger roots

• Know what early carrot growth should look like

Resource Links

• Carrot Quick-Start Growing Guide: http://journeywithjill.net/carrot-guide

• 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.

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

Sponsors for this Episode

Cozy Earth Cozy Earth offers ultra-soft bamboo sheets, pajamas, and skincare products designed for everyday comfort. Use code CozyJill to get up to 20% off at CozyEarth.com. Discount terms may vary. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Garden in Minutes Garden in Minutes offers garden grids and watering systems that make spacing and irrigation simpler in raised beds. Use code Jill for 7% off: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

Spring weather can make planting decisions confusing. Should you plant your cool season crops now, or wait a little longer? In this episode, you'll learn how to decide the best time to plant lettuce, broccoli, carrots, peas, and other cool season crops with confidence. If you've ever worried about planting too early or too late, this practical guide will help you read the signals your garden is giving you.

New to edible gardening or restarting after a break? Download my free Garden Cheat Sheet—a simple path to plan, plant, and stay on track. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

• Understand the temperature range cool season crops prefer

• Learn how frost forecasts influence planting decisions

• Know the soil temperature thresholds for direct sowing seeds

• Avoid common mistakes with soggy soil and early planting

• Gain confidence in reading weather patterns in your own garden

Connect

• Friday Emails (newsletter): 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/

Complete Garden Planner Plan and track your season with my all-in-one downloadable garden planner. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Garden in Minutes Garden in Minutes offers a simple irrigation system designed specifically for raised beds, helping you water efficiently and consistently without the hassle of hand watering. Use code Jill for 7% off your order. http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cross Country Nursery Cross Country Nursery is a plant nursery that helps gardeners get quality plants delivered so you can get growing faster and with less guesswork.

Use code JILL for 15% off your order. http://www.chileplants.com/jill

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.

Struggling with indoor seed starting because your seedlings stopped growing? Are they stuck with only seed leaves, turning yellow, or just frozen in time? In this episode, I share how a simple seed starting mix mistake stalled my broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce—and exactly how I fixed it.

Clear, simple fixes for common indoor seed starting problems. Download it here → http://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide

After 13 years of starting my own seeds, I made a mistake I didn't even realize—until my brassicas refused to grow for nearly two weeks. What looked like a nitrogen issue turned out to be something completely different. In this episode, I walk you through what happened, how I diagnosed the problem, and the step-by-step seedling triage that brought them back to life.

If your seedlings are stunted, pale, or just not progressing like they should, you're not alone. And in many cases, you can fix it quickly.

• How to identify true stunted growth vs. normal slow growth

• The most common seed starting mix mistake beginners make

• Why roots need oxygen just as much as water

• When transplanting seedlings can actually save them

• How to research potting mix labels before you buy

• Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide

• Lettuce Quick-Start Growing Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/lettuce-guide

• Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

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

• Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

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

Garden in Minutes makes simple, efficient irrigation systems that take the guesswork out of watering. If you're tired of dragging hoses or wondering whether you're overwatering or underwatering, their systems make it easy to water evenly and consistently.

Use code Jill for 7% off. Shop here: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes

Cozy Earth creates premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and quality. Their bamboo sheet sets are incredibly soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating—perfect for getting better rest during busy garden seasons.

Visit Cozy Earth to shop their products and check current promotions. Use code COZYJILL for a discount up to 20% off on your purchase (discount amount may vary based on current sales). Shop here: http://cozyearth.com

As an affiliate, 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.

Struggling to get a big potato harvest, especially in heat or grow bags? In this episode, Jim and Caleb from Wood Prairie Family Farm break down what actually matters for growing potatoes successfully. You'll learn practical potato growing tips for choosing seed, watering, fall planting, and avoiding common beginner mistakes.

If you've ever felt unsure about which potatoes to plant, how to store them, or why your yields were disappointing, this conversation will clear it up. We talk certified seed vs. grocery store potatoes, how to think about short-season varieties (especially in the South), what makes fall potatoes possible, and the biggest "make-or-break" factors when growing in containers.

Wood Prairie Family Farm (Seed Potatoes) Certified seed potatoes shipped at the right time for your region, plus grow bags and organic potato fertilizer. Use code JILL5 for 5% off: http://journeywithjill.net/woodprairie. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

free download: Seed Starting Guide Start seeds with confidence. Know exactly when and how to begin. https://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-guide

• Start with certified seed potatoes to reduce disease risk and improve yields.

• For hot climates or tight windows, choose short-season varieties to finish before heat or frost.

• In grow bags, watering is the #1 success factor (often 3x per week).

• Better soil and the right fertility plan can increase yield without adding complexity.

• Mulch strategies (even cardboard + straw) can reduce weeds and help moderate soil moisture.

Organic REV Organic fertilizer blends made for gardeners who want healthier plants and better harvests. Use code JILL10 for 10% off: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Garden in Minutes A simple, efficient watering system that helps you stay consistent (especially in summer). Use code Jill for 7% off: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Free Seed Starting Guide: https://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-guide

Connect with Jill

• Friday Emails (newsletter): 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/

• Ready for a simple system to plan and track? 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.

Struggling to know whether you can trust AI for garden planning? Wondering if ChatGPT can actually help you grow better vegetables—or if it might quietly steer you wrong? In this episode, we talk through the real benefits and real risks of using AI in your vegetable garden.

Dream to Garden – Plan your garden faster with AI tools without giving up your own judgment. Learn the why behind your planting decisions and get step-by-step guidance plus custom GPT support. 👉 Learn more here: https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden

In this episode, I share what's worked in my own garden using AI and where I've had to push back. From comparing seed varieties and troubleshooting pests to setting planting dates, AI can save serious time. But it can also give confident, incorrect answers—especially about timing.

I'll show you how to use AI wisely so it becomes a tool, not a crutch.

• How AI actually gets its information (and why it can "hallucinate")

• Practical ways to use AI for variety comparisons and pest ID

• Why planting dates are the biggest danger zone

• How to write better prompts for more accurate answers

• Why you must understand your climate before trusting AI

🌱 Get Complimentary Access to My Resource Vault Grow more food with less overwhelm using printable charts, guides, and planning tools. http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads

📬 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/

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

Organic Rev – I use this to support strong root growth and healthy soil biology. Use code JILL10 for 10% off at http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Garden in Minutes – A simple, effective irrigation solution that makes watering your raised beds easy and efficient. Use code Jill for 7% off at http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

Most gardens get planted once and then limp along until frost. But what if one garden bed could give you three strong harvests in a single season? In this episode, you'll learn how simple succession planting can help you grow more food without adding more space.

Free Training: Productive Garden Masterclass Learn how to plan your garden so beds stay productive all season long, without overwhelm. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/masterclass

• How to plan three-season successions before the season starts

• Why knowing when crops come out matters as much as when they go in

• Real-life succession examples you can adapt to your climate

• Common mistakes that limit harvests and how to avoid them

Organic Rev Organic Rev's Superior Seed Start Bundles support healthy germination and strong seedlings from day one. Save 10% with code JILL10 → http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Garden in Minutes Garden in Minutes makes watering simple with raised beds, garden grids, and modular systems designed to work together. Save 7% with code JILL → http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Productive Garden Masterclass (Free Training): Learn how to plan your garden so each bed stays productive all season long. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/masterclass

• Beginner's Garden Resource Vault (Free): A growing library of guides, charts, and tools to help you garden with clarity and confidence. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads

• Friday Emails (Newsletter): Weekly encouragement, practical tips, and seasonal reminders. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

• Dream to Garden (Paid Course – Enrollment Open): Step-by-step garden planning for your space, timing, and climate. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden

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

Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and feedback from others. Your results may differ depending on your location and growing conditions. Always check local resources. Some links may be affiliate links.

Companion planting can feel confusing fast. Charts, rules, and exceptions make it hard to know what really works. But what if you already understand companion planting better than you think? The foods you naturally cook together often grow well together, too.

In this episode, I share a simple way to think about companion planting by looking at familiar kitchen pairings. Tomatoes and basil. Onions and peppers. Carrots and celery. When you connect what belongs together on your plate with what thrives together in the garden, companion planting starts to feel intuitive instead of overwhelming.

free download: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault Get complimentary access to a library of printable charts, guides, and tools to help you grow food with less overwhelm. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads

• Why familiar food pairings often translate to successful garden companions

• How cool-season and warm-season crops affect timing and placement

• Practical examples of companion planting that actually work

• Which plant pairings to avoid and why

• How to simplify garden planning without memorizing charts

• Register for the Productive Garden Masterclass: http://journeywithjill.net/masterclass

• Beginner's Garden Resource Vault (free): http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads

• Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

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

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

Organic Rev I use Organic Rev to support strong roots and healthy soil. Use code JILL10 for 10% off. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev As an affiliate, 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.

Struggling with lettuce that bolts, turns bitter, or barely grows? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I walk you through how to grow salad greens for months using the right varieties, timing, and planting rhythm.

If growing your own salad greens has felt confusing or inconsistent, this episode will help you simplify the process. I break down the difference between lettuces and brassica greens, explain when to direct sow vs. start seeds indoors, and show you how I plan my plantings so I can harvest salads for weeks at a time.

Borrow my exact spring planting rhythm for salad greens—what to plant, when to plant, and how to adjust it for your climate. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/springsaladgarden

• Why lettuce and brassica greens behave differently in your garden

• How planting variety extends your salad harvest

• When to direct sow vs. start lettuce indoors

• How seasonal temperature shifts affect flavor and bolting

• The importance of staggered planting for continuous harvests

• Spring Salad Garden Planning Calendar (free): https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/springsaladgarden

• 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

Organic Rev I use Rev to support strong root development and healthy plants throughout the season. Use code JILL10 for 10% off. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev As an affiliate, 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.