The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Feeling unsure about companion planting when you're actually standing in your garden? You're not alone. It's one thing to read charts, but another to decide what goes where in real time. In this episode, you'll learn how companion planting really works, including spacing, timing, and practical garden layout strategies that make sense.
Free download: Companion Planting for Pest Control A simple, practical guide to pairing plants that help naturally reduce pests. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest
If companion planting has ever felt confusing or overly complicated, this episode will walk you through step-by-step principles you can actually use in your garden today.
Resource Links
Companion Planting for Pest Control (free): http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest
Beneficial insects episode: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/235-attracting-beneficial-bugs-to-your-garden-with-jessica-walliser
Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Sponsor(s) for this Episode
Garden in Minutes – Simplify your irrigation setup with an easy-to-install system designed for raised beds. Get 7% off with code Jill: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Cozy Earth – Premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and better sleep. Use code JILL for a special discount: https://cozyearth.com
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling with poor potato harvests or slow growth? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn how to plant potatoes step-by-step for stronger plants and better yields. From choosing seed potatoes to soil prep and spacing, this potato planting guide will set you up for success.
Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, but planting them correctly makes all the difference. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to do before planting day, including how to choose the right seed potatoes, whether to chit them, and how to prepare your soil. I'll also share what's worked in my garden over the years, including mistakes I've made so you can avoid them.
free download: Seasonal Garden Task List Know what to do each month—no more guessing. https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list
Key Takeaways
Choose certified seed potatoes to protect your soil and improve yields

Match potato varieties to your cooking goals and growing season

Prep soil with organic matter and balanced fertilizer

Plant at the right depth and spacing for strong growth

Use mulch or light hilling to protect developing potatoes

Resource Links
Seasonal Garden Task List (free): https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

Connect:
Newsletter: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Complete Garden Planner Plan and track your season with my all-in-one downloadable planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor(s) for this Episode
Garden in Minutes – Simplify your watering system with easy-to-use garden grids. Use code Jill for 7% off: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Cross County Nursery – A trusted source for quality plants to support your garden success.
Wood Prairie Family Farm – Certified organic seed potatoes in a wide range of varieties. Use code JILL5 for 5% off: http://journeywithjill.net/woodprairie
As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling to get carrot seeds to sprout or size up well? In this episode, you'll learn how to plant carrots with better timing, spacing, watering, and thinning so they grow straight, sweet, and strong. If carrot germination has felt unpredictable, this step-by-step planting guide will help you start with confidence.
Carrots can feel simple until you plant them and wait... and wait... and still see bare soil. In today's Planting Day episode, I'm walking you through exactly what to do before and after sowing carrot seeds so you can improve germination, avoid common mistakes, and set yourself up for a better harvest. We'll cover timing, soil prep, spacing, moisture, thinning, and what to expect in those first few weeks so you know your carrot planting is on track.
Free Download: Carrot Quick-Start Growing Guide Get my Free Carrot Quick-Start Growing Guide and quickly learn how to grow straight, sweet carrots in your garden without the guesswork. You'll also get complimentary access to my Beginner's Garden Resource Vault. http://journeywithjill.net/carrot-guide
Key Takeaways
Learn the best time to plant carrots in spring

Improve germination with better soil moisture

Choose carrot varieties that perform reliably

Thin seedlings the right way for bigger roots

Know what early carrot growth should look like

Resource Links
Carrot Quick-Start Growing Guide: http://journeywithjill.net/carrot-guide

Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Ready for a simple system to plan and track? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy.

Sponsors for this Episode
Cozy Earth Cozy Earth offers ultra-soft bamboo sheets, pajamas, and skincare products designed for everyday comfort. Use code CozyJill to get up to 20% off at CozyEarth.com. Discount terms may vary. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Garden in Minutes Garden in Minutes offers garden grids and watering systems that make spacing and irrigation simpler in raised beds. Use code Jill for 7% off: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Spring weather can make planting decisions confusing. Should you plant your cool season crops now, or wait a little longer? In this episode, you'll learn how to decide the best time to plant lettuce, broccoli, carrots, peas, and other cool season crops with confidence. If you've ever worried about planting too early or too late, this practical guide will help you read the signals your garden is giving you.
free download: Garden Cheat Sheet
New to edible gardening or restarting after a break? Download my free Garden Cheat Sheet—a simple path to plan, plant, and stay on track. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/
Key Takeaways
Understand the temperature range cool season crops prefer

Learn how frost forecasts influence planting decisions

Know the soil temperature thresholds for direct sowing seeds

Avoid common mistakes with soggy soil and early planting

Gain confidence in reading weather patterns in your own garden

Connect
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Complete Garden Planner Plan and track your season with my all-in-one downloadable garden planner. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor(s) for This Episode
Garden in Minutes Garden in Minutes offers a simple irrigation system designed specifically for raised beds, helping you water efficiently and consistently without the hassle of hand watering. Use code Jill for 7% off your order. http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cross Country Nursery Cross Country Nursery is a plant nursery that helps gardeners get quality plants delivered so you can get growing faster and with less guesswork.
Use code JILL  for 15% off your order. http://www.chileplants.com/jill 
 
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling with indoor seed starting because your seedlings stopped growing? Are they stuck with only seed leaves, turning yellow, or just frozen in time? In this episode, I share how a simple seed starting mix mistake stalled my broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce—and exactly how I fixed it.
Free download: Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide
Clear, simple fixes for common indoor seed starting problems. Download it here → http://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide
After 13 years of starting my own seeds, I made a mistake I didn't even realize—until my brassicas refused to grow for nearly two weeks. What looked like a nitrogen issue turned out to be something completely different. In this episode, I walk you through what happened, how I diagnosed the problem, and the step-by-step seedling triage that brought them back to life.
If your seedlings are stunted, pale, or just not progressing like they should, you're not alone. And in many cases, you can fix it quickly.
Key Takeaways
How to identify true stunted growth vs. normal slow growth

The most common seed starting mix mistake beginners make

Why roots need oxygen just as much as water

When transplanting seedlings can actually save them

How to research potting mix labels before you buy

Resource Links
Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide

Lettuce Quick-Start Growing Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/lettuce-guide

Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos

Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Sponsor for This Episode
Garden in Minutes makes simple, efficient irrigation systems that take the guesswork out of watering. If you're tired of dragging hoses or wondering whether you're overwatering or underwatering, their systems make it easy to water evenly and consistently.
Use code Jill for 7% off. Shop here: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Cozy Earth creates premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and quality. Their bamboo sheet sets are incredibly soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating—perfect for getting better rest during busy garden seasons.
Visit Cozy Earth to shop their products and check current promotions. Use code COZYJILL for a discount up to 20% off on your purchase (discount amount may vary based on current sales). Shop here: http://cozyearth.com 
 
As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.