If you're a gardener in 2025, you know that resilience is key. Whether you're facing droughts, pests, or rising costs, a resilient garden can make all the difference in keeping your harvests healthy and plentiful.

In this episode, I'll share 9 practical tips you can implement this year to make your garden more resilient. These tips are easy to apply and will help you build a garden that can withstand whatever comes its way."

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Ready to get your April garden on track? In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to focus on in your garden this month—whether you’re just thawing out or already planting spring crops.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to quickly build last-minute beds
• What to sow and what to transplant now (and what you should give more time)
• Early season pest control methods
• Mulching and fertilizer tips for overwintered crops and early transplants
• What I'm working on this month in zone 8 Oregon

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Buying seedlings can save you time in the garden—but only if you choose wisely! The biggest mistake beginners make? Grabbing the biggest plant on the shelf without checking for hidden red flags. In this episode, I’ll break down where to shop, how to spot a healthy seedling, and which ones not to buy so you get the best value for your money.

In This Episode:

🌱 Best places to buy seedlings – Why local nurseries and farmer’s markets often beat big box stores
👀 What a healthy seedling looks like – Color, shape, roots, and why flowers aren’t a good sign
🚨 Red flags to avoid – Leggy plants, root-bound seedlings, pests, and more
⏳ What to do before planting – Hardening off, pest checks, and watering tips for stress-free transplants

Before you grab the first tomato plant you see, tune in to make sure you’re bringing home the best seedlings for your garden!

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Want to grow a productive food garden without spending a fortune on nursery plants? Starting your own seedlings in bulk is one of the best ways to save money, maximize space, and ensure a steady harvest all season long. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my streamlined seed-starting system, from supplies to scheduling, so you can grow strong, healthy plants—without the frustration.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

🌱 The Basics of Seed Starting – What you need (and don’t need) for a successful setup: lights, soil mix, and trays
💰 Why Growing from Seed Saves You Money – How to grow hundreds of plants for the cost of a few nursery seedlings
🛠️ My Favorite Seed-Starting Supplies – Why I use soil blocks or Bootstrap Farmer/Epic Gardening trays (and why I skip 6-packs)
🌿 A Simple Soil Mix Recipe – DIY your own for healthier, cheaper seedlings
☀️ The Hardening Off Plan – Getting your seedlings ready for the garden without shock

Links Mentioned:

Bootstrap Farmer 6-packs

Soil Blocker

Coco Loco Seed Starting Mix (but it's SO much cheaper to make your own mix, see below:)

Seed Starting Mix:

4 parts coco coir (or peat moss)
1 part compost, worm castings, or a mix
.5 part vermiculite (sometimes more depending on the weather. In warmer weather, I add more because it holds moisture)
.5 part perlite
Sprinkle of azomite according to package application instructions

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Choosing between direct sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings can impact how well your plants grow and how quickly you get a harvest. Each method has its benefits, and knowing when to use them can make a big difference in your garden’s success.

In this episode:

• The pros and cons of direct sowing vs. transplanting
• Best crops for each method
• Timing, soil conditions, and other key factors to consider
• How to combine both methods for a productive, resilient garden

Don't forget to check out the Garden Planning Toolkit in the show notes for seed starting and transplanting calendars!

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Starting your first garden? Every season brings new challenges and surprises! In this episode, I’ll walk you through the five phases of the gardening year—what to expect, common mistakes, and how to set yourself up for success. Whether you're in the dreamy planning stage, dealing with summer overwhelm, or wondering if it’s too late to plant, this episode will help you navigate the seasons with confidence.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• The 5 phases of the gardening year and what to expect in each
• How to avoid beginner mistakes and keep your garden on track
• When to start seeds, transplant, and harvest for the best results
• How to handle setbacks like plant failures, pests, and unpredictable weather
• The best time to plan ahead so you're ready for next year

👉 Looking for month-by-month gardening guidance? The Garden Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for staying organized all year long. With seasonal checklists, planting schedules, and more, it’s everything you need to make your gardening easier and stress-free. Get yours today!

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Let's look at six smart ways to decide what to grow in 2025—whether you’re looking to save money, maximize calories, or stock your pantry. From the crops you use daily to the most expensive produce at the store, this guide will help you grow what truly matters.

In this episode, I'll cover:

• How to choose crops based on what you actually eat
• The most calorie-dense foods to grow for self-sufficiency
• High-cost produce that’s worth growing at home
• Which fruits and vegetables are on the Dirty Dozen list
• Easy-to-grow crops for beginners or small spaces
• The best foods for canning, preserving, and storage

Tune in and start planning your most productive garden yet! 🌱✨

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Get ready for spring with the return of Organic Gardening For Beginners! After a break away from the show, I'm back with tons of ideas, results, and new experiments to share with you all. My hope has always been to inspire you to get in the garden. Maybe this episode will be the one to get you there!

📩 Questions? Email me at homegrownfoodandflowers@gmail.com

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚