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.)        

What to Plant in July (Yes, You Still Can!) Think it’s too late to plant? Think again. In this episode of the Beginner’s Garden Podcast, Jill shares exactly what you can still plant in July—whether you're refreshing your summer garden or squeezing in one more round before fall. From quick-growing veggies to heat-tolerant flowers and herbs, you'll walk away with a solid mid-season planting plan and key tips to help your garden thrive in the heat. In this episode: Fast-growing warm-season vegetables to plant now Heat-loving herbs and how to grow them Flowers that thrive in summer and attract pollinators Tips for managing heat, soil, and moisture in mid-season How to plan based on your frost date and zone The value of succession planting in July A special tip on using Organic REV to reduce transplant stress and boost resilience Bonus invitation: Join Jill for a Live Garden Q&A Zoom Session on July 9 at 12 PM Central. Dream to Garden students are already invited, but if you’re not enrolled, you can join the call for just $15. Submit your questions in advance or ask them live—and yes, you’ll get the replay too. Reserve your spot: journeywithjill.net/shop Try Organic REV and save 10% with code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com

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.)