Remember all that extra time you had for gardening in 2020? Fast forward five years, and life feels busier than ever. But you’re still gardening—which means you’re finding ways to make it work. The biggest challenge? Time.

In this special episode of The Beginner’s Garden Podcast, we’re exploring how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can help streamline your garden planning so you can spend more time growing and less time on tedious research. I’ll share practical ways I’ve used AI to speed up my own planning and simple prompts you can start using today.

✅ How ChatGPT acts as a supercharged search engine for gardening research ✅ Simple AI prompts to find frost dates, best seed prices, and ideal plant varieties ✅ How AI can assist with succession planting, companion planting, and garden layout design ✅ Why AI isn’t perfect—and how to critically evaluate its recommendations

Exciting News! Dream to Garden, my step-by-step garden planning course, is open for enrollment! And new for 2025, we’ve added an AI-powered Dream to Garden Companion, making garden planning easier than ever. Learn more at https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden 

AI is just another tool—one that, when used wisely, can help you grow more with less stress. Let’s dive in! 🎧

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.)

When you hear "companion planting," do you feel excited, skeptical, or just plain confused? In this episode, we're cutting through the myths and giving you a practical, science-backed approach to pairing plants in your garden.

What You'll Learn: 🌿 Myth 1: Do certain plants really boost each other’s growth? 🐞 Myth 2: Can companion planting truly prevent all pests? 🌱 Myth 3: Will plants always thrive together if paired correctly? ☀️ Myth 4: Does plant height matter in companion planting? 🌸 Myth 5: Is companion planting only for pest control?

Along the way, I’ll share my personal experiences—both successes and surprises—and help you see that companion planting doesn’t have to be complicated. Plus, I’ll tell you how to go deeper with my free live workshop and my garden planning course, Dream to Garden!

Links Mentioned: 👉 Join my FREE Live Workshop: https://journeywithjill.net/masterclass  👉 Enroll in Dream to Garden + Companion Planting 101 Bonus: https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden 

Don’t miss this one—your garden will thank you! 🌿✨

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.)

Welcome to our first Friday bonus episode of the season! As you gear up for gardening this year, we're diving into a topic that has been the biggest game-changer for my garden’s productivity: understanding the differences between cool-season and warm-season crops.

We’ll explore: 🌱 Why some crops thrive in cool weather while others prefer heat 🌡️ The science behind plant temperature preferences and how enzymes react to different conditions 🌾 How temperature affects seed germination, growth, and fruit production ❄️ Heat- and cold-adaptive strategies plants use to survive extreme temperatures

Plus, I’ll share real-life examples from my own garden that have helped me make better planting decisions—and how you can apply them to maximize your harvest.

Show Notes:

🔥 FREE Live Workshop: The Productive Gardener’s Blueprint 🔥 Want to take your garden planning to the next level? Join my free live workshop next week, where you'll learn: ✅ The most common planting mistakes and how to avoid them ✅ Two surprising climate factors that can transform your success ✅ Easy succession planting techniques to extend your harvest ✅ My newest time-saving strategy for stress-free garden planning

Register now at journeywithjill.net/masterclass for a chance to win prizes from GreenStalk Gardens, Epic Gardening, and more!

Let’s grow together! 🌿

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.)

Gardening success often comes down to avoiding a few common mistakes. In today's episode, Jill dives into 5 overlooked mistakes to think about. If you think about them now, it will help you down the road in the season. 

Don't forget to sign up for the Masterclass here: https://journeywithjill.net/masterclass 

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.)

February is a complex month for gardeners in the U.S. Some of us are weeks away from planting, while others are already in the garden. In this episode, Jill shares 7 essential garden tasks to tackle in February, ensuring you're prepared for a productive gardening season, no matter where you are in your journey. With practical tips and resources, you'll feel confident and ready to hit the ground running!

Links Mentioned:

Filling a New Raised Bed - Podcast

Refreshing the Soil in a Raised Bed - Podcast

When to Plant Cheat Sheet

Seasonal Task List

Fruit Trees Info: YouTube Video & Podcast

Amazon Storefront for book recommendations 

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.)

This week I am speaking with Dr. Alicia Wasula, a forensic meteoroloist to discuss what she does in relation to the weather and how that can affect your garden. 

Links Mentioned:

Before You Sow Mini Course (free for 1 week): https://journeywithjill.net/beforeyousow 

Connect with Dr. Wasula here: https://www.stmweather.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/@stmweather_gardens

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: 2024 Complete Garden Planner https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

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/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.)

If you're like me, you're itching to get started on this year’s garden season. But here’s the deal—starting seeds indoors too early is one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make this time of year. In today’s episode, I’ll share the seeds I’m starting indoors in January and February and how you can adjust your timing depending on your climate. Stick around until the end, because I’ll explain what can go wrong if you start too early and how to avoid those pitfalls.

Links Mentioned: 

• When to Plant Cheat Sheet
• Onion YouTube Playlist
• Onion Podcast Episodes

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.)

Is it possible to grow protein-packed vegetables in your garden? In this episode, we break it down for you! Building on last week’s conversation with Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper about the importance of plant-based proteins, I’m sharing which crops are worth your time, space, and effort.

We’ll cover:

• Dry beans like pinto, kidney, and black beans
• Shelling beans such as black-eyed peas and lima beans
• Chickpeas, lentils, edamame, and more

Discover the growing requirements, space needs, and harvest realities of these crops to decide if they’re the right fit for your garden. I’ll also share my honest take on which ones I recommend skipping and how to get the most from the ones you do plant.

Plus, don’t miss the details about my live Winter Workshop on January 21st, focusing on seed starting and planting. Learn more and register at journeywithjill.net/winterworkshop.

Let’s dig in! 🌱

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Winter Workshop: https://journeywithjill.net/winterworkshop

Links Mentioned: 

1. planting pole beans around an a-frame trellis: https://youtu.be/22UvHYa9FIM

2. how much did dry beans yield: https://youtu.be/pm6QE9dJuiI

My Products: 2024 Complete Garden Planner https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

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/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.)

Happy New Year! This week is our 400th episode and we wanted to share a different topic with you. We have Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper, a lifestyle medicine doctor, that walks us through all about how to grow your own protein and how to live a healthy life with the right kinds of protein. 

Vickie will be hosting a series on unlocking the secret to sleep. Sign up here: https://healthylooksgreatonyou.com/turn-off-your-mind-and-get-some-sleep/ 

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: 2024 Complete Garden Planner https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

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/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.)

This week Jill reflects on how 2024 went for her from what worked and what didn't. She discusses varieties that she tried this year that worked out well for her so you can keep an eye out for these varieties when seed shopping. Also, she discusses lifestyle changes she made in her gardening world to adapt to her current life. 

Carrot Storage YouTube: https://youtu.be/l9T7_FZbuYA?si=jLOI0SMXIBpt8uK2 

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Homestead Movie

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.

Homestead Movie

In theaters December 20th 2024. Click here to enter giveaway.

About: A nuclear bomb is detonated in Los Angeles, and the nation devolves into unprecedented chaos. Ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson and his family escape to The Homestead, an eccentric prepper’s fortress nestled in the mountains. As violent threats and apocalyptic conditions creep toward their borders, the residents of The Homestead are left to wonder: how long can a group of people resist both the dangers of human nature and the bloodshed at their doorstep? 

My Products: 2024 Complete Garden Planner https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

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/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.)

* * * LIMIT OF FOURTEEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED (14,100) ENTRIES PER PERSON/EMAIL ADDRESS. * * *** NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. The 300K Instant Homestead Giveaway is open only to legal residents of the 48 Contiguous U.S. States (VOID in AK and HI) & DC, 21 or older. Void elsewhere and where prohibited.. Promotion starts 10/117/24 and ends 12/22/24. To enter, visit https://angel.com/homesteadgiveaway . Sponsor: Angel Studios, 295 W Center Street, Provo, UT 84601.. Subject to complete Official Rules at https://bit.ly/HomesteadSweeps.