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Organic Gardening For Beginners is a podcast that helps overwhelmed and time-crunched new gardeners start and maintain their own thriving garden. Join Jessica, owner of Homegrown Food and Flowers and a seasoned gardener with over 20 years of experience, as she shares her tips, resources, and inspiration to help you overcome common barriers to gardening. Get valuable insight on topics like companion planting, seed starting, gardening planning, summer maintenance chores, growing cut flowers, a ...
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Even though a shady garden space isn't ideal for all gardeners, there are still a ton of options when choosing what to plant. Plus, with the tips in this episode, you might be able to adapt to your shady situation that you have in the past. 📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It help…
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It's planting time! Finally, the month of the last spring frosts is here and we're able to plant out so many things. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, zinnia, sunflower, and so many more summer crops can make their way tot the garden. 📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardene…
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You've got a flat of plants, a garden almost ready to plant out, and no time to get it done. Sound familiar? This episode will give you seven tips to help you get your garden in the ground with a minimum of fuss and no time wasted on tasks that don't move the needle the way you want it to go. -Which seedlings you should buy at this point in the sea…
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If you're still wondering what to plant, this episode lays it all out for you. Short and snappy instructions tell you how to lay out a single 4x8 raised bed with the right combination and location of your plants so they all thrive and you get months of harvests of fresh veggies, flowers, and herbs. If you want a more detailed seasonal guide, snag a…
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Here is an amazing list of resources during the peak learning time of the season. Plants are going in, seeds are getting started, and these channels will help you learn so much, from composting to self sufficiency to growing flowers in soil blocks. Huw Richards Charles Dowding Shifting Roots No-Till Growers: I misspoke here and said No Till Farmer,…
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Soil, fertilizers, compost, and more can all be so confusing when getting your garden started. This episode breaks it down in a very simplified manner that will help you know the next step you need to take to get your garden ready for the season. I mention a ton of resources, including: My seed starting recipe: 4 parts coco coir (or peat moss) 1 pa…
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Don't let your seedlings go into shock or die after you spent all that time growing them! In today's episode you'll learn about: What is hardening off? How do I harden off my seedlings? What's the best time of day to transplant Ways to protect seedlings: row covers, low tunnels Beginner mistakes Grab your seed starting checklist here with a full ha…
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Seed starting is in full swing, and I've been getting a bunch of questions about the process. So this episode will share the answers I've been giving and help you in your own seed starting efforts. Questions include: Why aren't your seeds covered? Why don't you cover your seed trays? What's damping off? What are leggy seedlings? If the soil is too …
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It's March! In the gardening world, that's a big signal to get started with sowing indoors and out. In this episode I'll have several lists for you, including veggies, flowers, and herbs to start indoors or direct sow, quick ways to get new garden beds up and running before prime planting time, and a few tips to help you have your garden plan ready…
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Spring is such a busy time of year that even knowing where to start can seem overwhelming. This episode breaks down how to avoid that overwhelm and instead learn how to take full advantage of your space and season, starting this spring. Use methods like succession planting, relay planting, transitioning beds, and overwintering to always have someth…
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Figuring out how to get your garden started is the next step once you know what you want to grow. But how exactly do you do that? Today, I’m breaking down the difference between direct sowing and indoor seed starting so you can choose the right method for you. Plus, I have a list of crops you should consider for each method to have the best chance …
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It's February in the garden, and that opens up the possibility for SO MANY things to do, from starting a whole slew of seeds to attending local workshops to visiting fruit tree nurseries. You won't be bored this month, and after this episode, you'll have a to-do list (and seed starting list!) a mile long. Grab your free Garden Planning Toolkit to l…
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Welcome back to this episode where I dive into the world of gardening with a seasonal twist. I'm Jessica, and in this episode, we cap off our January garden planning series with some golden nuggets of wisdom to take you from planning to planting. If you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is your trusty guide to syncing your garden with the…
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It's all about learning from past gardening mistakes this week! I've committed many common rookie mistakes over my years of gardening, and I want to share some of the easy-to-avoid ones with you this week to help you have an easier season! Here are couple of past episodes I'm mention this week: 012: Best (Free!) Organic Mulches For The Home Garden …
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Unlock the secrets to a thriving organic garden with my deep dive into planning and preparation strategies that go beyond the norm. 1. Establish Your Garden Priorities: - Discover the art of maximizing your gardening season, making the most of limited space, and creating a tranquil haven where productivity takes a back seat to the simple joys of ga…
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What better way to start the garden season than a reminder of three gardening truths that can help you avoid overwhelm, analysis paralysis, and disappointment if things don't go to plan? Embracing these truths has not only simplified my gardening routine but has also amplified the joy I derive from nurturing my garden. As a long time gardener, a mo…
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Happy New Year in the garden! Get ready for garden planning, seed sowing, and making (or shrinking) garden beds this year. Epsiode 038 will cover: - Tailored guidance for both warm and cold climate gardeners on transitioning their gardens from winter to spring. - Introduction of winter sowing, a low-cost, low-effort seed-starting method suitable fo…
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Listen in as I take a moment during the festive season to share heartfelt reflections on a year of transformation, both in my personal life and in my garden. Having uprooted from the familiar climate of Southern California to the distinct growing conditions of Western Oregon, I'm learning to grow in a new climate, new soil, and maximize our new pro…
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Whether you live in a city apartment with only a small balcony or have a tiny backyard, there's no reason why you can't start an organic garden. In the latest episode of Organic Gardening for Beginners, I share some new strategies, experiences, and practical tips for maximizing you garden in small spaces. Small Space Organic Gardening Small spaces …
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Title: Raised Beds vs In-Ground Gardening: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Method for You Welcome to another episode of Organic Gardening for Beginners! Today, we are going to delve into the garden-starting world of raised beds and in-ground gardening. I'll share insights on the advantages and disadvantages of these two popular gardening…
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What is there to do in your garden in December? Well, it depends on where you live! Zone 9 and above can work on overwintering flowers and perennial veggies, harvesting crops that are still producing. Zone 8 and below is mostly just maintaining what you've got. Your fall and winter garden doesn't need a whole lot of input right now as most plants h…
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Gardening can easily turn into an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to! In this episode, I'll share practical tips and essential strategies to help you cultivate a healthy and productive garden while keeping your budget intact. Thrifty Gardening Basics: Explore cost-effective methods like reusing containers and opting for basic watering techniqu…
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Does it feel like gardening is an impossible activity to juggle with the chaos of parenthood? I hear you! As the mom of two kids age 2 and 4, I've got some practice with walking the line between involving my kids in the garden and taking my own quiet time among the plants and pollinators. In this episode of Organic Gardening for Beginners, I share …
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One of the biggest roadblocks to starting a garden is being a renter, which is why today I am happy to bring you the latest podcast episode that will hopefully convince you it's not only doable, but totally worth it. I the constraints of renting can be offputting, but this episode aims to break down those barriers and equip you with the tools to tu…
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Join me as I chat about the seemingly unrelated worlds of military life and gardening. In this special Veterans Day episode, I draw from my own experiences as a military spouse, sharing how gardening became my source of joy, connection, and grounding during my husband's service in the US Marine Corps. Listen in as I explain why it's worth cultivati…
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Another month, another checklist! Though considering we're heading into the shorter and colder winter months, the checklist isn't all that long this month. In this episode, we'll chat about some of the chores you can tackle, including taking care of your garden tools, mulching anything that you haven't yet covered, and Plus, if you're just itching …
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Let's explore a new approach to companion planting, where we focus on growing flowers alongside your vegetables (and herbs!). It's all about making gardening accessible, enjoyable, and multipurpose. Benefits of companion planting: 1. Attract Pollinators: Learn how mixing various flowers can increase pollinators and biodiversity. 2. Space Efficiency…
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Gear up for a thrilling journey into the world of culinary herbs! You'll walk away from this episode with a wealth of knowledge on how to cultivate your own flavor and pollinator powerhouse, from the warmth-loving basil to the cold-tolerant cilantro, and the surprisingly uncommon dill (even though it's so easy to grow!) We'll also chat about other …
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Today, we're talking about which flowers you should plan to have in your garden next year, even if you're hesitant to give up some space for them. Some of these top 10 flowers are my personal favorites, but they earn their place here for anyone! From great cut flowers to attracting pollinators to thwarting pests, these flowers are multi-purpose and…
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Are you tired of saying goodbye to your garden as the winter season approaches? Do you wish you could enjoy fresh produce from your backyard year-round? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this episode post is for you! Season Extension: Demystifying the Concept Season extension is a simple concept that every gardener can employ, …
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Hey ho, it's October! What should you do in your garden this month? If you haven't noticed, it's fall! But it doesn't mean that our work in the garden comes to a halt. On the contrary, there's still plenty to be done and to learn in your garden this October. This post is designed to help you navigate through the unique tips and tricks to keep your …
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Winter might seem like the end of gardening season for many, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Off-season and indoor gardening can be a lifesaver for garden enthusiasts like us when winter rolls in and outdoor gardening slows down. While you might be ready for a break after a busy season, it's still tough to stop growing for months on end during …
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Today, we're diving into the topic of preparing your garden for the upcoming winter season. While it's still September, it's never too early to start planning and taking action to ensure your garden thrives in the colder months. So, let's explore five important tips to get your garden winter-ready. Tip #1: Tidy Up Your Garden (But not too much) Rem…
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Today we're talking about how to end the season in your flower garden with as much beneficial impact as possible. While it may be tempting to clean up and clear out, there are some steps you can take to ensure a smoother transition into the next gardening season. Saving Seeds As your flowers continue to bloom, it's an excellent time to start saving…
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I'm back with another episode to help you maximize your gardening joy and productivity. In this episode, I'm helping you know what to do in your garden this month of September. Here are the main points of this episode: 1. Maintaining your September garden: Your summer garden might be winding down, but there's still plenty to do. From managing powde…
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Are you a novice gardener ready to shake off the jitters and dive into the world of gardening? Or perhaps you're a seasoned grower looking to enhance your green thumb skills. No matter where you stand, I believe that every gardening enthusiast can find a place in the Gardener Success Timeline I’m about to share with you. From the excitement of a no…
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⬇️ Get your Fall Garden Planting Chart to know exactly when to start seeds for your next phase of the gardening year. Did you know that companion planting can help keep your plants healthier and more productive this season? Companion planting works for every season, really, but in the fall, it's a perfect way to group plants so they give each other…
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⬇️ Get your Fall Garden Planting Chart to know exactly when to start seeds for your next phase of the gardening year. Welcome the fall gardening season! As summer draws to a close, it's time to transition your garden and start preparing for the autumn harvest. There are some big differences from spring garden starting, though, so today's episode wi…
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⬇️ Get your Fall Garden Planting Chart to know exactly when to start seeds for your next phase of the gardening year. If you need a garden planner to start recording how your season has been going, check out this one I created this spring. I love it for tracking my seed starting schedule, when I'm starting to get harvests, and any plant issues I co…
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⬇️ Get your Fall Garden Planting Chart to know exactly when to start seeds for your next phase of the gardening year. If you need a garden planner to start recording how your season has been going, check out this one I created this spring. I love it for tracking my seed starting schedule, when I'm starting to get harvests, and any plant issues I co…
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Don't let your spring garden fizzle! You can keep your flowers blooming all summer with just a few strategic tips. Choose cut and come again flowers like zinnias, gomphrena, dahlias, cosmos, black-eyed Susan, sweet peas, and more for continuous blooming all summer. Provide regular plant care with proper watering and fertilization to support new blo…
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Get ready to spruce up your green thumb! In this episode, I tackle the common gardening mistakes beginners often make, especially during summer. From forgetting to deadhead your flowers to not harvesting regularly, discover how you can keep your garden productive and thriving all season long. I also share an action plan geared towards maintaining a…
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https://homegrownfoodandflowers.com/best-organic-mulch/ Study from Washington State University showing that wood chips don't harmfully affect the nitrogen levels in your garden: https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/wood-chips.pdf 📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It help…
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Get a rundown of the garden maintenance chores you need to have on your July to-do list! In this episode, I delve into essential summer garden maintenance tips and strategies that keep my garden going every summer, ensuring my garden thrives no matter its size or type of plants. If your garden typically fizzles under the summer sun, then this episo…
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Ready to keep your summer garden beautiful and productive? This episode has essential July gardening tips, which will help you create a vibrant and flourishing outdoor space that you can be proud of. In July, your garden will benefit from a host of maintenance tasks. For instance, you should cut back spring flowers and vegetables that have complete…
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You don’t have to miss out on starting your garden this year, even though the typical spring rush is over. Instead, this episode will show you it’s not too late to start your garden as well as some of my favorite companion planting combinations to maximize space, yield, and beauty for the rest of the summer. Get your PDF Guide, 7 Companion Plant Co…
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