Seeds are the foundation of every successful garden—but not all seeds are created equal. In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything you need to know about seeds, from germination basics to the differences between heirloom, hybrid, and GMO seeds.

We cover why some plants don’t grow true from seed, how temperature and moisture affect germination success, why seed size doesn’t equal plant size, and how gardeners can dramatically improve seed starting results by controlling key variables like heat and watering. You’ll also learn why certain plants are grown from tubers or grafts instead of seed, how hybrid seeds are created, and why GMO seeds are often misunderstood.

Whether you’re a beginner gardener, seed saver, or seasoned grower in Zone 9a and beyond, this episode will help you make better decisions when buying, storing, starting, and saving seeds.

Topics covered:

• What seeds really need to germinate successfully
• Why some seeds fail and others thrive
• Heirloom vs hybrid vs GMO seeds explained
• Saving seeds and understanding plant genetics
• Why potatoes, citrus, and apples aren’t grown true from seed
• Common seed myths and misconceptions

Perfect for home gardeners, homesteaders, seed starters, and anyone curious about how plants reproduce and why seed choice matters.

#SeedStarting #GardeningPodcast #HeirloomSeeds #HybridSeeds #GMOSeeds #SeedSaving #HomeGardening #Homesteading #GardenEducation #TheCompostPile

In this episode of The Compost Pile, David sits down with Paul Lemoine to break down everything you need to know about planning and growing tomatoes in Southeast Texas (Zone 9a). From when to start tomato seeds and how early planting improves yields, to choosing between determinate vs indeterminate tomatoes, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice.

Paul shares decades of experience growing tomatoes in hot, humid climates, including tips on variety selection, hybrids vs heirlooms, early frost protection, mulching, watering practices, disease prevention, and organic stink bug control. We also cover common tomato problems like blossom end rot, splitting, and poor fruit set in high heat, plus how raised beds and partial shade can dramatically improve success.

Whether you’re starting tomatoes from seed, planting transplants, or trying to beat the Texas heat, this episode will help you grow healthier plants and better harvests this season.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more gardening, homesteading, and Zone 9a-specific growing advice.

#TheCompostPile #GrowingTomatoes #Zone9aGardening #TomatoTips #OrganicGardening

In this episode of The Compost Pile, we sit down with fellow gardener Paul Lemoine to talk about his transition from traditional row gardening to raised beds. We break down the real-world pros and cons of both methods, drawing from hands-on experience rather than theory.

We discuss how raised beds can improve drainage, maximize space, increase crop diversity, and make garden management more efficient—while also acknowledging where traditional row gardening still shines. If you’ve ever wondered whether raised beds are worth the investment, or if you’re deciding which method fits your space, soil, and goals best, this conversation will help you think through it with clarity and confidence.

In this Q&A episode of The Compost Pile, David and guest Courtney Hale Revia dive into some of the most common topics in the garden and landscape world, especially as they relate to managing a homestead and event venue.

They break down cut-flower growing strategies, including whether flowers are better supported with string systems or planted directly in the ground. The conversation also tackles the big question many gardeners ask: Can you truly garden organically in our area?—and what that realistically looks like when environmental factors are out of your control.

You’ll also hear practical guidance on weed management, weighing weed barriers versus pre-emergent, along with honest pros and cons of each approach. David and Courtney discuss what “full sun” really means for plant placement, how heat impacts exposure, and why strategic shade can sometimes be a benefit. They wrap up with the lowdown on pine straw—how it functions as mulch, where it shines, and when it may (or may not) be the right choice.

This episode is packed with real-world experience, thoughtful discussion, and practical takeaways for gardeners navigating similar challenges in the landscape and garden space

n this solo episode, David breaks down the key fundamentals of starting tomato and pepper seeds successfully, whether you’re growing for a backyard garden, raised beds, or containers.

We cover the most important building blocks for strong, healthy seedlings, including:

• Choosing the right containers
• Selecting a proper growing medium for seed starting
• How and when to water without causing common issues
• Understanding light requirements and why windowsills often fall short
• The role of heat in germination and early growth

This episode is designed to help gardeners avoid common seed-starting mistakes and build confidence heading into the growing season. Whether you’re brand new to seed starting or looking to refine your process, this walkthrough will set you up for success from day one.

Perfect for gardeners in warm climates, beginners, and anyone wanting stronger transplants before planting outdoors.

Plants want to grow—but they don’t always grow upright. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we break down everything you need to know about plant support materials and how choosing the right one can improve plant health, yields, and overall garden success.

We cover the different types of plant supports—including stakes, cages, trellises, and DIY options—along with the materials they’re made from, how quality impacts longevity, and which supports work best for common garden crops.

You’ll also learn when to install supports, how to avoid common mistakes, and how proper support improves airflow, disease resistance, and harvest efficiency—especially in Zone 9a gardens.

Whether you’re growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, flowers, or vining crops, this episode will help you support your plants the right way from the ground up.

Topics covered: Types of plant supports and what they’re best used for Comparing materials: metal, wood, bamboo, plastic, and more Quality vs. cost: what’s worth investing in.

Practical advice, fewer broken plants, and better harvests—let’s talk plant support.

Container gardening is one of the most flexible and accessible ways to grow plants—whether you’re short on space, dealing with poor soil, or gardening in a hot, humid climate like Zone 9a. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we break down everything you need to know about container gardening, from choosing the right containers to soil mixes, watering practices, and long-term plant care.

We discuss the pros and cons of growing in containers, compare different container types (plastic, ceramic, fabric grow bags, raised planters, and more), and explain why soil selection matters more in pots than in the ground. You’ll also learn how container gardening changes watering and fertilizing routines, how heat affects root systems, and common mistakes gardeners make that limit success.

Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or fruit trees in containers, this episode will help you grow healthier plants and get better results—especially in USDA Zone 9a and similar southern climates.

Topics covered include:

• Benefits and limitations of container gardening
• Best containers for vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals
• Soil and drainage considerations for pots
• Watering and fertilizing containers in hot weather
• How container gardening differs from in-ground growing
• Tips for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike

Perfect for gardeners, homesteaders, patio growers, renters, and anyone looking to grow more—no matter the space.

In Episode 8 of The Compost Pile, we dig into the cultural practices that separate struggling gardens from thriving ones—especially here in USDA Zone 9a. From crop rotation and watering practices to cover crops, soil protection, and long-term garden planning, this episode focuses on the habits that quietly do the heavy lifting in an organic garden.

We discuss why rotating crops helps prevent pest and disease pressure, how watering strategies change with heat and humidity, and how cover crops can improve soil structure, fertility, and microbial life. You’ll also hear practical tips for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and small-space growers looking to work with nature instead of against it.

Whether you’re gardening, homesteading, or just getting started, this episode will help you build healthier soil, stronger plants, and a more resilient garden season after season.

Hosted by David Pool with co-host Aaron Barnhill

The Compost Pile: Breaking Down How to Grow in Zone 9a