Have you ever wondered if you could grow mushrooms right alongside your tomatoes? I hadn’t either—until recently. In today’s episode, I chat with Matt McInnis from North Spore about how beginners can grow mushrooms in their garden beds, mulch, or even garden paths.

This episode is part beginner’s guide, part real-time experiment. After my conversation with Matt, I share my honest experiences growing mushrooms in my own raised beds—what worked, what surprised me, and what I’ll do differently next time.

Whether you’re mushroom-curious or looking for new ways to improve your garden’s soil health, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible with homegrown fungi.

🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Easy ways to grow mushrooms in garden beds, mulch, and paths

• Why mushrooms might improve your soil and help your crops

• What kind of moisture and light they need

• How to cook, preserve, and enjoy them—even if you’re not a mushroom lover

• Jill’s first-hand experience growing oysters, winecap, and almond agaricus

If you are wanting to check them out for yourself, you can go to their website and use my code JILL10 for 10% off your order.

If your raised beds are running out of steam mid-summer, give them a boost with Organic REV. It helps recharge tired soil and supports plants through the heat. 🛒 Use code JILL10 to save on your order at OrganicREV.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.)

"I rarely use fertilizer." If you've listened to this podcast or joined a coaching call, you've probably heard me say that. And for years, it’s been true. I’ve focused more on building healthy soil than feeding plants. But recently, I’ve started rethinking that approach — and today I’m sharing why.

In this episode, we’ll explore how my mindset has shifted, plus:

• The difference between organic and synthetic fertilizers

• How to fertilize based on the type of crop

• Why your method matters more if you're growing in containers, raised beds, or in-ground

• How to apply fertilizer correctly so you don’t waste time or money

By the end, I hope you’ll feel more confident in deciding whether — and how — to fertilize your own garden this season.

🌿Want to keep your plants thriving through the heat, stop pests naturally, and handle issues as they come up? Join me live tonight for my Summer Workshop: Grow • Nurture • Protect! You’ll also get a bonus preserving workshop replay. 👉 journeywithjill.net/summerworkshop

I use Organic REV all season to boost microbial life, improve root growth, and help plants handle stress. Great for transplants, succession planting, and heat resilience. 💧 Use code JILL10 to save at OrganicREV.com

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.)

By mid-June, your garden is thriving—but pests are waking up too. Some are just a nuisance, while others can wreak serious havoc. In today’s episode, we’re talking about 5 common summer pests, how to spot them early, and what you can do to manage them using organic methods.

You’ll learn: 🪰 How to deal with aphids without wrecking your beneficial insect population 🐞 The best time and way to stop squash bugs before they ruin your harvest 🐛 Why tomato hornworms show up when they do—and what to do about them 🛡️ How to deter stink bugs before they damage your tomatoes and peppers 🐞 And how to manage cucumber beetles & protect against bacterial wilt

Whether you're dealing with a few chewed leaves or a full-on infestation, this episode will give you clear, effective strategies to protect your garden—without reaching for harsh chemicals.

🌿 Want to go deeper? Join me for the Summer Gardening Workshop on June 17 at 7 PM Central, where we’ll dive into pest prevention, plant health, and what to do when things go wrong. Your $19 ticket includes a replay + bonus preserving workshop! Use code SUMMER25 to save. 👉 journeywithjill.net/summerworkshop

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.)

June might feel like the honeymoon phase in the garden — everything’s green, lush, and thriving. But don’t let the beauty fool you — this is a critical time to stay proactive if you want a healthy, productive summer garden. 💪

In this episode, I’m sharing what to plant, prune, harvest, and watch for in June — plus a sneak peek at an upcoming live workshop that you won’t want to miss! 👀

📝 Here’s what we’ll cover: 🥬 What to do with bolting lettuce, spinach & other cool-season crops 🌱 Heat-loving crops to plant now (yes, it’s not too late!) ✂️ How and when to harvest herbs & prune basil for continuous growth 🌻 Flower & herb upkeep — deadheading, staking, and more 🐛 What pests to look out for (and what to do when you spot them) 💦 Watering tips for containers and raised beds 🔥 Why June is a great time to build soil health and how I use Organic REV all season long 📆 Coming June 17: A brand-new Summer Garden Workshop all about pest prevention, disease control, and how to grow stronger, more resilient plants 🌿✨

🎧 Tune in for practical tips to help your garden thrive in the summer heat — and get ready for even more support in the workshop later this month!

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.)

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.)