September can leave gardeners feeling torn — the weather whispers fall, but the garden seems ready to shut down. Should you plant more, or just call it quits until spring? In today’s episode, I’ll show you why the answer is yes — you can still plant, and you’ll be glad you did.

We’ll cover four categories of crops you can grow right now — greens, roots, brassicas, and herbs — plus the key differences between fall and spring planting that will make all the difference in your success.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The fast-growing greens you can direct sow today for quick harvests.

• Root crops that thrive in cooling soil (and how to get them to germinate).

• Why fall brassicas do best from transplants.

• Cool-season herbs that love September planting.

• One piece of spring garden advice that doesn’t work in fall.

You’ll also hear my tips for moisture management, full sun placement, and how to think in terms of “baby harvests” instead of waiting for everything to fully mature.

📌 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet: journeywithjill.net/garlic

• Pre-order organic seed garlic from Wood Prairie Family Farm and use code JILL5 for 5% off: woodprairie.com

• Organic REV: Rebuild soil health for your fall crops and save with code JILL10: organicrev.com

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to plant now to keep your garden producing fresh food well into fall.

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.

Wood Prairie Family FarmsA small family farm on the edge of Maine’s North Woods is located just six miles from the Canadian border. For over 45 years they have dedicated themselves to time-honored organic regenerative farming practices and building up the fertile soil of Wood Prairie Family Farm. Certified Organic by MOFGA (USDA-Accredited) since 1982. Their organic crops are sold to customers like you through their website and their FREE mail order catalog.  Check them out and use my code JILL5 for 5% off.

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.)

September can feel like a juggling act—summer crops still hanging on, fall crops needing attention, and the pressure to preserve your harvest before it goes to waste. In this episode, Jill shares a practical September checklist to help you stay focused and finish the season strong.

🌱 In this episode:

• What to plant now: spinach, lettuce, salad greens, and cover crops

• Tending tips: when to pull back shade cloth and how to adjust watering

• When and how to prune or pull summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers

• Garlic prep: what to order, where to plant, and how to prepare the bed

• Fall garden must-haves: floating row covers, Organic REV, and preserving plans

🛒 Mentioned in this episode:

• Harvest to Kitchen Course – Final day to grab it for just $97! Learn to can, freeze, dehydrate, and store over 20 crops. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/harvesttokitchen

• Organic REV – Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com for healthier fall transplants and soil

• Free Fall Salad Garden Calendar – Download your guide to planting salad greens all season long

• How to Make the Most of Your Tomato Harvest Podcast - Click here to find out ways to make your tomato harvest the best one yet before your first fall frost.

🎧 Tune in for your step-by-step guide to a productive September garden!

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 cover crops are worth the effort in a small garden or raised bed? In this episode, we're bringing back one of the most practical and eye-opening conversations from the podcast archives—with Parker from True Leaf Market.

Together, we explore:

• 🪴 The best cover crops for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and no-till systems

• 🌿 How cover crops boost soil health, garden productivity, and even nutritional value

• 🌱 The differences between cereal grains, legumes, and brassicas—and why a mix might be the most beneficial

• 🌡️ What to expect if you’re in a mild climate like Zone 8

• 🧑‍🌾 When and how to plant—and terminate—your cover crops for best results

Whether you’re completely new to cover cropping or looking to improve your approach this season, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to get started.

👉 Tune in and get ready to give your garden a long-term boost!

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.

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.)

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world—and according to neurologist and author Dr. Ray Dorsey, our environment may be playing a much larger role than we think.

In this conversation, Dr. Dorsey shares key insights from his book The Parkinson’s Plan, including how certain pesticides and chemicals—some of which are still used in U.S. agriculture today—are correlated with higher Parkinson’s risk. As home gardeners, we may be making choices to avoid chemicals, but this episode highlights what we still need to be aware of.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Parkinson’s does to the body and why it’s growing so fast

• The link between common agricultural chemicals and neurological risk

• What pyrethrins, rotenone, paraquat, and chlorpyrifos are—and where they may show up

• Why weed killers and even wooden fences may pose a concern

• How to navigate produce choices when organic isn’t always accessible

• Why well water and contaminated soil may be hidden risks

• What to know about dry cleaning solvents like TCE and PCE

• Dr. Dorsey’s top tips for reducing your risk (including what to prioritize)

• Why coffee lovers can celebrate their morning habit

Whether you grow your own food or buy it at the grocery store, this conversation offers an eye-opening look at how to reduce your exposure and make more informed choices.

📘 Learn more about Dr. Dorsey and his book The Parkinson’s Plan: https://parkinsonsplan.org 

Thank you to our sponsor, Organic REV Give your fall garden the strong start it needs with Organic REV! I use it on all my fall transplants—from broccoli to lettuce—by dipping the root ball in a REV and water mix before planting. It reduces transplant shock, builds resilient roots, and boosts tired summer soil.

🌱 Save with code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com

You’ve got a few tomatoes, a handful of cucumbers, maybe a pepper or two—but not enough for a full-blown canning session. In this episode, I’m sharing practical and easy ways to preserve those small harvests so nothing goes to waste. From freezing and fermenting to quick pickles and creative herb uses, you’ll learn how to build your pantry one handful at a time.

Here’s what we cover:

• 🍅 What to do with a few tomatoes: freezing, roasting, small-batch sauce, and even fermented salsa

• 🥒 Cucumber overload? Make quick fridge pickles, relish, or a refreshing chilled soup

• 🫑 Freezing peppers and okra, plus how to dehydrate or pickle them in small batches

• 🥒 Zucchini and summer squash: shred and freeze, make chips, or quick pickle

• 🌿 Easy ways to preserve herbs: dry, freeze in oil, or turn into herb salts and pesto

• 🧺 Tips for efficient, low-stress preserving—even if you only have 15 minutes

💡 Tip: Don’t forget your soil! Late summer is the perfect time to recharge your raised beds with Organic REV. Visit OrganicREV.com and use code JILL10 to save.

📣 Want more step-by-step help? Check out my Harvest to Kitchen course and my Tomato Harvest to Jar resource at: 👉 journeywithjill.net/courses 👉 journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar

💬 What’s your favorite way to use a small harvest? Message me or comment on the podcast post to share!

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.)

Depending on where you live, August can be a month of harvest abundance or extreme garden fatigue—or both. In today’s episode, I’m meeting you where you are. Whether you’re coasting through harvests or struggling with heat, pests, and burnout, this is a chance to regroup, reset, and prep for fall without overwhelming yourself.

Here’s what we cover:

🌱 Reset & Reassess August is the perfect time to take stock. Are your summer crops still producing, or is it time to pull them out? Clear space now to get ready for fall. (More on this in episode 199!)

🛒 Fall Garden Prep Don’t wait to grab your seeds and supplies! And if you’re unsure about timing, today is the last day to grab my Fall Garden Mini-Course for $10 off with code FALL25 → journeywithjill.net/fall-course

🥕 Harvest & Preserve Keep up with harvesting what’s still producing. Eat it fresh, give it away, or get ready for next week’s episode on preserving your bounty.

🌼 Tend What You Can Early morning or evening is best for weeding, pruning, or removing diseased plants. Remember—less effort now means fewer problems later.

🌿 Mid-Roll Sponsor: Organic REV Need a soil recharge? I turn to Organic REV to keep my raised beds thriving through late summer stress. It’s especially helpful for reviving tired plants and giving fall transplants a strong start. Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com to save.

🥒 Planting in August Still time for fast-maturing summer crops: bush beans, squash, cucumbers Start thinking fall: – Direct sow carrots, beets, leafy greens (late August) – Transplant broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce – Plant herbs like basil, dill, parsley – Bonus: It’s a great time to plant strawberries (episode 386)

💛 Permission to Pause If you need a break—take it. August is tough, but a reset now can give you the energy you’ll need for the (less intense but still busy) fall season ahead.

🎧 Listen now and give yourself grace as you head into a new season.

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.)

You followed all the fall gardening advice… so why isn’t your garden thriving? In this episode, I’m breaking down 8 subtle but critical reasons fall gardens struggle—even when you’re doing “everything right.” From daylight changes to soil fatigue to surprising transplant pitfalls, these tips will help you troubleshoot and turn things around.

🌱 What You’ll Learn: – Why planting too late is one of the most common mistakes – How fall sun is different—and how it affects your crops – The surprising issue of soil fatigue after summer crops – Why cool-season crops can fail in hot soil – Watering and transplant tips to help young plants thrive – Why direct sowing doesn’t work for everything – The pest pressure you might be ignoring – A mindset shift that could make all the difference

💡 Mentioned in this episode: – OrganicREV – Use code JILL10 to save 10% – Beginner’s Guide to Fall Gardening Mini-Course – Now open for enrollment!

If you’ve struggled with fall gardening in the past—or you want to get it right this year—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and get your fall garden on the right track!

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.)

Most of us have an instinctual fear of snakes—but are they really the enemy in our gardens? In this episode, I’m joined by nature enthusiast Johnny Sain to shed light on the misunderstood world of snakes. We talk about why snakes are more helpful than harmful, how to identify them safely, and what to do if you (or your chickens!) cross paths with one.

Here’s what we cover:

• Johnny’s lifelong fascination with snakes

• Why gardeners shouldn’t fear them

• Tips for staying safe in snake territory

• Snakebite myths, facts, and first-aid advice

• How to educate kids about snake safety

• Protecting your eggs from egg-loving reptiles

• And a glimpse into Johnny’s broader passion for the natural world

Whether you’re snake-curious or snake-cautious, this episode will leave you with a new appreciation—and maybe even a little awe—for these secretive garden neighbors.

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.)

🌞 Does Your Garden Need Shade in Summer? | The Beginner’s Garden Podcast

Have you ever walked into your garden on a 100-degree day and thought, “How are these plants still standing?” The truth is, some of them aren’t—and even heat-loving crops can struggle when temps soar.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into:

• 🌿 Why summer shade might be the secret to a more productive garden

• ⏰ When to add shade (and when it’s not necessary)

• 🛠️ How to do it effectively with materials you already have

Whether you're working with young seedlings or struggling tomatoes, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable tips to keep your garden thriving through the heat.

👉 Links & Mentions:

• 🛒 Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com to save 10% on Organic REV — my go-to for supporting root health and stress resilience all season long!

• Wanting a fall garden but don't want to plan it? I am offering a beta version of a garden planning service for you! Go to https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden to learn more

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.)

🎧 What to Start Indoors for Your Fall Garden (Yes, in July!)

It may be blazing hot, but believe it or not—now’s the time to start thinking about your fall garden. In this episode, I’ll walk you through which crops you need to start indoors in July to ensure a bountiful fall harvest.

We’ll talk about:

• 🌱 Why fall gardening actually starts in summer

• 🥦 Which crops to start indoors now (and why)

• ⏳ How to time your planting based on your first frost

• 💡 Summer seed-starting tips for healthy transplants

• 🌡️ The most common fall gardening mistake to avoid

• 🧑‍🌾 What comes next after these transplants

🎯 Want your fall garden planned for you? Grab your spot for my brand-new Fall Garden Planning Concierge Service – limited to Zones 6–8 and only 10 gardeners! I’ll create a custom plan, meet with you on Zoom, and even shop for your seeds if you choose the optional add-on. 👉 journeywithjill.net/planmygarden

💬 Got questions? Join my Live Zoom Q&A on July 9 at 12PM Central! Dream to Garden students are already invited—or you can join for $15: Click here to register

🎥 Seed Starting Workshop — Want more help with starting seeds indoors? Get my workshop for just $19 with code summer25 in July: 👉 Seed Starting Workshop Replay

🛒 Mentioned in this episode:

• Organic REV — Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com to save on this soil-boosting solution I use all season long.

👉 Subscribe, share with a gardening friend, and don’t miss part 2—coming soon—on what to direct sow for your fall garden!

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.)