Organic Gardening For Beginners: Tips To Plan And Grow Your Own Productive Garden

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 winter. But, with the following six methods, you can keep growing even after the season ends. No need to stow away your garden gear just yet! 1. Sprouting: This involves soaking seeds (like alfalfa, herbs, broccoli, clover, radish, peas, lentils, cabbage) to activate them, and then allowing them to grow just enough to get some stem length. They are highly nutritious and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.2. Microgreens: This is a similar method to sprouting, but it is taken one step further. Microgreens can be grown in soil or hydroponically, with seeds sprouting and growing for about a week before they are harvested and used in various dishes. My favorites are sunflower and pea, but kale, lettuce, and herb mixes are popular, too. 3. Overwintering Plants: This involves taking mature plants, or ones close enough to maturity to survive, and providing them with the shelter or protection they need to make it through the wintertime. This is suitable for plants like kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and even peppers and tomatoes in some climates. 4. Flower Bulbs: To keep flowers indoors over winter, try this method of planting flower bulbs indoors by replicating outdoor growing conditions. It allows you to have indoor blooms during the winter. It's called forcing, and you can grow the bulbs in water or soil. 5. Winter Sowing: This method involves sowing seeds outside before the typical planting time. Seeds are placed outside in a plastic gallon jug which acts as a mini-greenhouse, protecting the seeds from frost until the weather warms up.6. Standard Indoor Gardening: This method can range from a simple herb kit on your windowsill to a temperature-controlled germination chamber with lights. This is a more involved system that requires monitoring humidity, pests, and lights.Which one will you try?📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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)Remember last week when we discussed the summer slowdown in your flower garden and how to manage your plants? Well, this idea is quite similar. The key here is to tidy up your garden but in a minimalist way. Consider leaving as many plants behind as possible to provide food for birds, insects, and wildlife during the winter. Flowers, especially those with seed heads, become valuable food sources for birds. Even plants like cucumbers, zucchini, and tomatoes can serve a purpose in the garden by feeding wildlife during the colder months. Don't forget about perennials like black-eyed Susans and coneflowers; these are no-brainers to leave behind.Tip #2: Protect Tender PlantsIf you have tender plants, veggies, or perennials you'd like to overwinter, it's time to think about how to protect them. Options include using low tunnels, row covers, cold frames, or simply mulching heavily around the plants. You can even create a protective barrier with leaves or bubble wrap for potted plants. Be creative and adapt your approach based on your garden's specific needs and your local climate.Tip #3: Garden Infrastructure CheckEnsure you have the necessary garden infrastructure in place for the winter. This includes taking down trellises that aren't needed, securing trellises and arbors to withstand potential windstorms, and draining and storing hoses to prevent damage from freezing. Don't forget to store your garden tools properly, out of wet and rainy weather, to keep them in good condition.Tip #4: Work on Your SoilGetting your soil ready for winter is crucial. If you're not a fan of tilling, consider using a no-dig or no-till approach. This involves adding layers of organic matter like straw, compost, leaves, or cardboard to build up your garden beds. The layers break down over the winter, improving soil fertility and structure. Alternatively, experiment with cover crops to enhance soil health and prevent erosion. Take advantage of the downtime to build and nourish your soil.Tip #5: Plan for Next YearLastly, start thinking about next year's garden season. Reflect on this year's successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Keep comprehensive garden records to help you plan. Consider aspects like plant selection, garden layout, planting schedules, and strategies to avoid past mistakes. Garden planning is an excellent way to beat the winter blues and stay motivated for the upcoming growing season.Email questions to me: jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 SeedsAs your flowers continue to bloom, it's an excellent time to start saving seeds. Focus on flowers with larger seed heads, such as sunflowers, cosmos, nasturtiums, and zinnias. Saving seeds from these plants can be an easy and cost-effective way to cultivate your garden in the future.Drying and Pressing FlowersWhile you're in the garden, look for flowers that are still in good shape and consider drying or pressing them for later use. Dried flowers can be used for winter crafts and arrangements or even for decorating pumpkins. Flowers like straw flowers, yarrow, Scabiosa, and plume celosia are particularly suitable for drying.Soil Health and Weed PreventionInstead of clearing your garden entirely, consider leaving some flowers behind. This has several benefits. Firstly, the seed heads left behind will provide food for birds throughout the winter. Overwintering beneficial insects, like ladybugs and some bees, can also find shelter in the plant debris. While there may be some less desirable insects as well, it's a trade-off that can help your garden's ecosystem. Leaving plant matter behind also contributes to soil health by adding organic matter, which feeds soil microorganisms. Moreover, it prevents weed growth and minimizes erosion over the winter.Composting FlowersComposting is an excellent way to dispose of most flower debris. However, be cautious with plants like morning glory, which can be invasive due to their ability to regenerate from small segments of their roots. When composting, consider chopping up larger items like sunflower stalks to speed up decomposition. If you have diseased plants, it's up to your discretion whether to include them in the compost pile, as there is some debate on whether certain diseases can survive cold composting.What's NextTo sum it up, don't rush to clear out your garden at the end of the season. Instead, consider saving seeds, drying flowers, and leaving some plants behind to benefit wildlife and soil health. If you need to dispose of plant debris, composting is the way to go, with a few exceptions. As always, thank you for tuning in, and we'll be back next week with more tips on preparing your garden for winter. Until then, happy gardening!Email questions to me: jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 powdery mildew to (still) providing water for birds and bugs, we went through a comprehensive checklist to keep your garden thriving. 2. Fall gardening:As the air gets crisper, it's time to explore the opportunities fall gardening offers. It's not too late to plant many cold-hardy and fast maturing crops. If you need ideas, jump back to this episode: 016: Why You Should Start A Fall Garden (Yes, In August).3. Season extension:Who says you can't garden in the winter? From using a basic low tunnel to thinking about what microgreens, herbs, or sprouts you can grow indoors, there's still something to grow in the dead of winter without investing in grow lights.4. Organic gardening tips:This is a crucial time for organic gardening. We talked about managing diseases like powdery mildew, providing water sources for our bird friends, and managing pests in your garden.5. Planning for your indoor winter garden: Start thinking about how you want to bring your garden indoors this winter. This can include growing sprouts, microgreens, forcing flower bulbs, and even growing culinary mushrooms. Remember, gardening is all about finding joy in nature. So take a moment to put your feet in the grass, your hands in the dirt, and enjoy your time in the garden.Until next week, happy gardening!📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 novice to the proficiency of a master, the journey through gardening can be an exhilarating ride. It's a timeline I've drawn up from my own years of gardening experience and interactions with gardeners at all levels. Here’s an overview of the four phases in this timeline, with more details and tips in the episode.1. The Gardening Newbie: In this initial phase, you might feel overwhelmed, unsure about what and when to plant. If this is you, fret not. Start by thinking about what you want to grow based on your personal preferences and then consider your budget, time, and space. Gardening, like any other skill, begins small and grows from there. Don't be afraid of making mistakes and remember that every expert was once a beginner.2. The Growing Enthusiast:In this phase, you are no longer a complete beginner. You've had some success, made some mistakes, but most importantly, you're learning. This is the time to experiment with seed starting and getting more familiar with your local climate. You can also start developing routines for regular watering, mulching, weeding, and staking. Keeping a record of your experiences can be beneficial for your future gardening endeavors.3. The Confident Grower: Here, you've grown confident in your gardening skills. You're starting to get familiar with seed starting and learning how to extend or manipulate the season using shade cloth or misting. You might even start exploring composting and on-site fertilization. You're starting to keep records of your planting dates, pests, and diseases, among other things. This phase involves more strategic planning and advanced techniques.4. The Green Thumb Pro:Finally, you've arrived at a stage where you're comfortable with your gardening knowledge and experience. You have a firm grasp of your local climate and have a well-established composting system. You're preserving your harvest and even mentoring new gardeners. You are a part of the local gardening community, continually honing your skills, and always ready to adapt to the surprises nature may throw at you.Remember, it's not about rushing through these phases. Each stage comes with its unique set of challenges and triumphs. Embrace the process, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your victories. No matter where you are in your gardening journey, keep growing, one seed at a time!It's not too late to squeeze in the last of your fall plantings! Not sure what to start? ⬇️ Get your Fall Garden Planting Chart to know exactly when to start seeds for your next phase of the gardening year.📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

⬇️ 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 a boost in productivity, vigor, and health.Here are three ways you can use companion planting in your fall garden:✅ Pairings that enhance the soil for each other, whether that's adding nutrients or keeping the temperatures cool.✅ Structural pairs such as one that can grow vertically and the other that can fill out down below.✅ Relay companions such as a fast grower with a slow grower or two crops that grow in different zones (i.e., root and surface area). Tune in to hear some of my favorite combinations!📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

⬇️ 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 will help you avoid a few mistakes that can leave you with dried out seed trays, wilted seedlings, or a killing frost taking your plants down before you've even harvested from them. We'll chat about:1. Understanding Seed Starting Timelines: Learn the secrets of when to start your seeds to maximize your fall garden's productivity.2. Fall Frost Impact: We dive into the importance of understanding your first fall frost date and how it influences what crops you can grow.3. Seed Germination Tips: Discover how to choose the right seeds for the season and learn how to maintain the perfect temperature and moisture for your seedlings.4. Indoor Seed Starting: Explore the benefits of starting your seeds indoors and understand the varying timelines for different crops to mature.5. Hardening Off and Transplanting Seedlings: Understand the crucial process of hardening off your seedlings before they are transplanted into the garden. 6. Mulching and Frost Protection: Learn about the importance of mulching your fall seedlings and how to set up frost protection for more protection.Here's to keeping the season going strong and starting healthy seedlings even when it's 90 degrees outside!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 come across throughout the summer:Gardening Simplified Planner.📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

⬇️ 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 come across throughout the summer:Gardening Simplified Planner.Have you ever planted a fall garden? If not, this episode is for you! In this episode, I'll be diving deep into the art of fall gardening. Fall is often overlooked when it comes to gardening, but there's so much potential for harvest in the cooler months! I have a few thoughts on why fall gardening is often only seen as a technique for the experienced gardener and show you how everyone can get involved and extend their harvest period.I talk about getting started with brassicas, peas, onions, garlic, root crops, and various greens and herbs this fall, plus I dig into how managing your own staggered crops can lead to a bountiful autumn harvest. There are some challenges to fall gardening, though, from summer sowing and transplanting to dealing with harsh winter weather. I chat about those and share tips to work around them.Learn the benefits of utilizing low tunnels and get a quick walkthrough on constructing one. Take advantage of fall gardening to improve pest control and produce healthier crops from September to March while minimizing pest problems.Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is sure to provide you with the insights and inspiration you need to keep your garden season going. So tune in and get ready to transform your fall gardening game.Happy gardening!Here are a couple of the books I mention. They're well worth a read!The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener: How to Grow Your Own Food 365 Days a Year, No Matter Where You LiveCool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

⬇️ 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 come across throughout the summer:Gardening Simplified Planner.This episode will help you keep your garden's performance and health high, discussing important summer tasks like deadheading flowers, pruning plants, and nourishing your garden with compost. Are you planting your last batch of summer crops correctly? Tune in to find out what else you can squeeze in and how to phase your garden into the next season.Explore the significance of record-keeping in gardening. What worked, what didn't, and how can you improve? Get insights on planting a late garden for a bountiful fall harvest and discover the crops that can survive winter and greet spring with early growth.Are you doing everything you can to attract birds and pollinators to your garden? Let's talk about the importance of providing water for these beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators and the benefits you'll get from them. 📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 blooms.Pruning or cutting back certain flowers like cosmos, black-eyed Susans, and snapdragons mid-summer can promote new growth and fresh blooms.Get the top tips for keeping cut flowers fresh in a vase, such as cutting them in the morning and harvesting them from well-watered plants. Here are two recipes to make your own flower food. Remember that there are so many individual recipes out there, and you can experiment to find the right ratio of ingredients that works best for you!Bleach option:Mix2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon sugar1/4-tablespoon bleachadd to 1 quart of lukewarm water and add flowersVinegar option:Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar2 tablespoons sugaradd to 1 quart of lukewarm water and add flowersFor the full blog post that inspired this episode, just click here: https://homegrownfoodandflowers.com/do-flowers-bloom-after-being-cut/📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 flourishing garden throughout the summer, including:when to replace plants that have run their coursehow to make the most out of your garden spacethe importance of frequent harvestinghow to manage garden pests without resorting to chemical pesticidesthe benefits of providing support for climbing plants. Listen in as we explore these topics and more, ensuring that by the end of the episode, you're well-equipped with the knowledge to keep your garden in great shape. If your garden needs help, send me your questions! jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 episode can help you pull through this year. Learn about essential tasks such as watering, weeding, and trellising and get guidance on when and how best to perform these tasks. At one point, I reference a past episode, Try These 5 Time-Saving Tips for a Productive Garden, as being episode 005, but it's actually 007, whoops! I know that summer can be a hectic time, so I have a few tips on maintaining a flexible gardening schedule. Learn how to prioritize tasks, adjust to changing weather, pests, and weed conditions, and keep your garden thriving even while you're away. The episode also covers topics like proper irrigation, weed management, and supporting vines on trellis structures. Tune in to avoid common gardening mistakes and keep your garden productive and beautiful all summer long. For full show notes and a transcript, head over the episode page at https://www.homegrownfoodandflowers.com/episode-011📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 completed their season. A pro tip here is to leave the roots in the ground. This simple act can be a game-changer for your soil health. It not only requires less work but also leaves beneficial microorganisms in place. Another essential gardening skill is deadheading. This involves cutting off old flowers from the plant and encouraging more flowers to bloom throughout the summer. Did you know that snapdragons and pansies can bring a second flush of flowers in the fall? By cutting them back and watering them through the summer, you can enjoy their beauty in the autumn too.July is also the perfect time to focus on garden maintenance and planning. Do you have heavy feeders in your garden? Consider adding compost or worm castings. Mulching is another crucial task for July, as it helps improve the soil's health and moisture retention. Keeping detailed garden records is another valuable tip. Note down the performance of your spring plantings, signs of diseases or bugs, and the last frost dates. This information will come in handy for future gardening activities. If you're planning on a vacation, don't forget to get a garden babysitter. They can help with watering, harvesting, and keeping an eye out for pests. Also, consider creating a delightful bird bath. This not only aids local birdlife but also adds an aesthetic element to your garden. Even though it's still summer, now is the time to start prepping for a bountiful fall garden (more on that in a future episode). This might involve planting some summer seedlings like zinnias or basil and adding fresh compost. It's also crucial to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. The sooner you catch them, the easier they are to manage.Keeping on top of these tasks will ultimately make your summer garden better and more productive. Happy gardening!**at the 6:30 minute mark, I mention planting cucumbers where they can get some afternoon sun, but I meant to say afternoon shade. Cucumbers will sometimes wilt in the heat of the day before perking back up at night, but you can save them the heat stress by providing a little shade in the hot afternoons. Get the full show notes and important links on the episode page here: https://homegrownfoodandflowers.com/episode-010/📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

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 Combos To Maximize Your Summer Garden here so you can reference it on the go!  In addition to these plant pairings, I share some tips on watering and supporting your summer garden plants, why I chose each combination, and a few tips on setting up your garden. I'm right alongside you with a late planting, but there's still time to grow!📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

In this episode, I'm sharing my top fast-growing plants so you can get the most out of your garden this summer, even if you're just now starting to plant. These crops will mature in just 60 days (give or take) so you won't miss out on the season. Here are the top fast-growing plants I discuss in this episode:(these aren't affiliate links. I just like this seed company and they offer free shipping over $10) 1. Cucumbers: https://www.rareseeds.com/cucumber-early-fortune2. Bush beans: https://www.rareseeds.com/bean-blue-lake-bush-2743. Basil: https://www.rareseeds.com/basil-genovese 4. Summer squash: https://www.rareseeds.com/squash-summer-zucchini-golden5. Radishes: https://www.rareseeds.com/radish-malaga6. Kale: https://www.rareseeds.com/kale-dazzling-blue7. Arugula: https://www.rareseeds.com/arugula-common8. Single stem sunflower: https://www.rareseeds.com/sunflower-sun-spot-dwarf-cola9. Zinnia: https://www.rareseeds.com/zinnia-queeny-lemon-peach10. Calendula: https://www.rareseeds.com/calendula-playtime-mix I go into detail with tips on growing each plant and share tips for growing them successfully. Plus, I've included links to seed sources in the show notes for your convenience.So, if you're ready to grow a gorgeous garden in just two months, listen to this episode and get started this weekend. For full show notes and a transcript, head to https://homegrownfoodandflowers.com/episode-008📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

In this episode, I share my top five time-saving tips to elevate your organic gardening skills. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, these strategies will help you make the most of your gardening efforts.1. Use a garden planner: A garden planner can help you keep track of so many details of your garden, such as mapping out your garden beds, planning your planting schedule, and keeping track of important tasks.2. Use mulch: Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, which means less watering for you. It also blocks sunlight from reaching the soil surface, which means fewer weeds for you to pull.3. Stick to low-maintenance plants: Choosing plants that are relatively pest and disease resistant or don't need a lot of attention from you can save you time. Some examples include herbs, summer veggies, and annual flowers.4. Use drip irrigation: Drip irrigation systems deliver water right to your plants' roots, reducing water waste and the need for frequent watering.5. Use companion planting: Companion planting can help you save space, reduce weeding, and group plants together based on their needs, making watering and care easier.For full show notes and a transcript, head to the blog at https://homegrownfoodandflowers.com/episode-007📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

In today's episode, I'm excited to share with you the magic of companion planting and how it can revolutionize your organic garden. With more than 20 years of experience under my belt, I've seen firsthand how the right plant combinations can lead to a thriving, productive, and beautiful garden.We'll start by diving into the incredible benefits of companion planting, such as improving soil health, controlling pests and diseases, and even increasing yields. I'll share some tips on getting started and provide examples of common planting combinations you can try in your garden this summer, like green beans with lettuce or sweet peas with alyssum.We'll also discuss the importance of making sure the plants you choose to grow together have the same water, sun, and soil requirements. I'll provide examples, such as why I put marigolds, basil, and tomatoes all together in one bed, among others.Lastly, I'll share some efficiency tips to help you create a plan of action, use the right tools for the job, and maximize your time in the garden. So join me on this exciting journey to transform your garden with the power of companion planting!Don't forget to check out the book "Plant Partners" that I mentioned in the episode, which delves into the scientific research behind the benefits of companion planting. I'll make sure to link it in the show notes so you can check it out yourself.Give companion planting a try and watch your organic garden flourish! For full show notes and an episode transcript, head to: https://homegrownfoodandflowers.com/episode-006 Book mentioned (affiliate link)Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden 📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

Don't worry, there's still time to start your summer garden! Take a look at this handy guide to discover ideal companion plant pairings that you can harvest before the season ends:7 Companion Plant Combos To Maximize Your Summer Garden Think it's too late to start a summer garden? Think again!Join me, Jessica from the blog Homegrown Food and Flowers, as I guide you through the process of planting a flourishing summer garden even when you're a little late to the game. Discover the benefits of planting in the summer, such as faster growth, quick harvests, and tips on what to grow, from veggies and herbs to beautiful summer flowers.Don't miss out on my advice for essential summer maintenance chores like setting up drip irrigation and using mulch to keep weeds at bay. Plus, stay tuned for an upcoming episode where I'll share a list of specific plant varieties with a maturity of around 60 days, perfect for taking advantage of the remaining months of the season. It's never too late to start your own sustainable and thriving garden, and I'm here to help you every step of the way!Video mentioned in this episode for setting up drip irrigation:https://youtu.be/V_ncTofEsgA📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/

Are you ready to start your gardening journey but feeling overwhelmed with the vast array of plants to choose from? Fear not, as today's episode is here to help you kickstart your garden adventures with my top 10 easy-to-grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Listen in as I share my personal favorites, from zinnias and sunflowers to zucchinis and kale, and explain why these plants are perfect for beginners. Plus, I'll provide some valuable tips on how to get started with planting, whether you're starting seeds indoors or purchasing seedlings from a nursery.Join me as we explore the versatility of these plants and how you can use them to enhance your cooking, add color to your life, and create a flourishing garden that attracts pollinators and wildlife. By the end of this episode, you'll have a plan in place to get started, and you'll be well on your way to creating a successful garden that fits your lifestyle, budget, and time. So grab a notebook, gather your gardening tools, and let's get planting!You can read all about my favorite seed companies here on my blog:10 Best Places To Buy Quality Flower Seeds Onlineor jump straight to the seed catalogs:https://www.johnnyseeds.com/https://www.rareseeds.com/📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/