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.

Struggling with seed starting failures even when you follow the rules? It might not be your lights, watering, or timing. In this episode, we break down seed starting mix and why the wrong soil can sabotage seedlings before they ever get going.

I'm joined by Joe Lamp'l, and we're digging into peat-based mixes, coconut coir problems, wetting agents, and the simple moisture mistakes most gardeners make indoors.

Confident seed starting without the guesswork—what to start, when to start, and how to do it successfully. https://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-guide

• Most seed starting failures trace back to the growing medium, not the gardener

• Peat-based mixes work well, but moisture management matters

• Coconut coir can fail if it's not properly washed and buffered

• Overwatering causes more problems than underwatering

• Seed trays should feel light before watering again

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

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

• Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

• Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Organic Rev – I use Rev to support healthy root growth and reduce transplant shock. 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 feedback I receive from gardeners in different climates. Your results may vary. Always check your local extension service for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Buying seeds is one of the most exciting parts of gardening—but it's also where many gardeners overspend without realizing it. If you've ever wondered whether seed packets are really the best deal, this episode will help you rethink how you buy seeds.

You'll learn when buying a larger seed quantity actually saves money, when it doesn't, and how to choose the right size for your garden. If seed catalogs feel overwhelming, this conversation will help you slow down, compare smarter, and spend less.

A simple, step-by-step plan to help you know what to plant and when—without the overwhelm. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

• Some crops are cheaper when you size up, others are not

• Greens, beans, peas, and cover crops often make sense to buy in larger quantities

• Tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas usually do not need bulk buying

• Comparing price per seed or gram can save you real money

• Having backup seed reduces stress when things go wrong

• Garden Cheat Sheet (free): https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

• Friday Emails: 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 Organic Rev to support strong root growth and healthy soil biology. Use code JILL10 for 10% off your order. 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 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Feeling excited about garden planning but worried about burnout before summer even hits? If last season felt overwhelming, disappointing, or heavier than you expected, this episode will help you reset. You'll learn how to plan a garden that fits your time, energy, space, and season of life so gardening feels peaceful, productive, and enjoyable in 2026.

Learn the four seed-growing principles every gardener needs to know before planting anything. This mini course walks you through when to start seeds indoors, when to buy transplants, and when to direct sow. Free through January 19. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/before-you-sow

• Why garden burnout often comes from planning, not pests or weather

• How to match your garden to your real time and energy

• Why smaller gardens are often more productive and enjoyable

• How your season of life should shape what you grow

• Questions that clarify what truly matters in your garden this year

00:00 – Why garden plans fail 02:10 – Planning before seed catalogs 04:30 – When gardens become overwhelming 07:45 – Learning from scaling back 10:55 – Is it worth growing this crop 13:40 – Time realities in gardening 15:55 – Physical vs emotional energy 19:30 – Harvest decisions and burnout 22:10 – You need less space than you think 25:15 – Making small spaces productive 27:30 – How life seasons affect gardens 31:05 – Choosing a clear garden focus 34:15 – What a right-sized garden feels like 37:20 – Three crops clarity question 39:10 – Grounding your 2026 garden plan 41:30 – Seed starting basics beginners miss 44:10 – Free Before You Sow training

Free Training: Before You Sow https://journeywithjill.net/before-you-sow

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

GreenStalk Vertical Planters Grow more food in less space with vertical planters that make gardening easier to manage. Use code JILL10 for $10 off a $75 purchase. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk

Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did your garden struggle in ways you couldn't quite explain? Or maybe it did okay, but you know it could be better next year. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 garden lessons 2025 taught me through real-life growing, testing, and conversations with other gardeners. These aren't complicated techniques or overwhelming plans. They're small, practical insights about soil, transplants, shade, timing, and planning that can make a big difference. Whether you're already dreaming about next season or just tucking ideas away for later, this episode will help you grow with more confidence next year.

A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you know what to plant and when. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

• Why bark-heavy bagged soil can quietly limit plant growth.

• How warmth and growing degree days affect crop timing and harvests.

• Why strong transplants matter more than you might think.

• How shade can help or hurt crops depending on the season.

• Simple ways to plan successions without overwhelm.

00:00 – Why this episode matters now 02:45 – How bark-heavy soil hurts plants 08:40 – What growing degree days explain 13:35 – Why strong transplants matter 18:12 – How shade changes productivity 21:29 – Simple succession planting ideas 26:45 – Trusting your climate instincts 29:38 – Lettuce varieties worth growing 33:50 – Cold-hardy surprises in the garden 36:51 – Self-watering bed results 40:45 – Growing squash vertically 43:58 – Wrapping up the 2025 season

• Garden Cheat Sheet (free): https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

• 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

Garden in Minutes – Easy, efficient garden irrigation systems that save time and water. Use code JILL for 7% off your order. http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes

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.