The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Struggling with seed starting failures even when you follow the rules? It might not be your lights, watering, or timing. In this episode, we break down seed starting mix and why the wrong soil can sabotage seedlings before they ever get going.
I'm joined by Joe Lamp'l, and we're digging into peat-based mixes, coconut coir problems, wetting agents, and the simple moisture mistakes most gardeners make indoors.
Free Download: Seed Starting Guide
Confident seed starting without the guesswork—what to start, when to start, and how to do it successfully. https://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-guide
Key Takeaways
Most seed starting failures trace back to the growing medium, not the gardener

Peat-based mixes work well, but moisture management matters

Coconut coir can fail if it's not properly washed and buffered

Overwatering causes more problems than underwatering

Seed trays should feel light before watering again

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

Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide: http://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide

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

Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Sponsor for This Episode
Organic Rev – I use Rev to support healthy root growth and reduce transplant shock. Use code JILL10 for 10% off: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev 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 feedback I receive from gardeners in different climates. Your results may vary. Always check your local extension service for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Buying seeds is one of the most exciting parts of gardening—but it's also where many gardeners overspend without realizing it. If you've ever wondered whether seed packets are really the best deal, this episode will help you rethink how you buy seeds.
You'll learn when buying a larger seed quantity actually saves money, when it doesn't, and how to choose the right size for your garden. If seed catalogs feel overwhelming, this conversation will help you slow down, compare smarter, and spend less.
Free Download: Garden Cheat Sheet
A simple, step-by-step plan to help you know what to plant and when—without the overwhelm. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/
Key Takeaways
Some crops are cheaper when you size up, others are not

Greens, beans, peas, and cover crops often make sense to buy in larger quantities

Tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas usually do not need bulk buying

Comparing price per seed or gram can save you real money

Having backup seed reduces stress when things go wrong

Resource Links
Garden Cheat Sheet (free): https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

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

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

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Sponsor for This Episode
Organic Rev I use Organic Rev to support strong root growth and healthy soil biology. Use code JILL10 for 10% off your order. http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev
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 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Feeling excited about garden planning but worried about burnout before summer even hits? If last season felt overwhelming, disappointing, or heavier than you expected, this episode will help you reset. You'll learn how to plan a garden that fits your time, energy, space, and season of life so gardening feels peaceful, productive, and enjoyable in 2026.
Free Training: Before You Sow
Learn the four seed-growing principles every gardener needs to know before planting anything. This mini course walks you through when to start seeds indoors, when to buy transplants, and when to direct sow. Free through January 19. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/before-you-sow
Key Takeaways
Why garden burnout often comes from planning, not pests or weather

How to match your garden to your real time and energy

Why smaller gardens are often more productive and enjoyable

How your season of life should shape what you grow

Questions that clarify what truly matters in your garden this year

Chapters
00:00 – Why garden plans fail 02:10 – Planning before seed catalogs 04:30 – When gardens become overwhelming 07:45 – Learning from scaling back 10:55 – Is it worth growing this crop 13:40 – Time realities in gardening 15:55 – Physical vs emotional energy 19:30 – Harvest decisions and burnout 22:10 – You need less space than you think 25:15 – Making small spaces productive 27:30 – How life seasons affect gardens 31:05 – Choosing a clear garden focus 34:15 – What a right-sized garden feels like 37:20 – Three crops clarity question 39:10 – Grounding your 2026 garden plan 41:30 – Seed starting basics beginners miss 44:10 – Free Before You Sow training
Resource Links
Free Training: Before You Sow https://journeywithjill.net/before-you-sow
Friday Emails (Newsletter) https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
GreenStalk Vertical Planters Grow more food in less space with vertical planters that make gardening easier to manage. Use code JILL10 for $10 off a $75 purchase. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk
Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did your garden struggle in ways you couldn't quite explain? Or maybe it did okay, but you know it could be better next year. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 garden lessons 2025 taught me through real-life growing, testing, and conversations with other gardeners. These aren't complicated techniques or overwhelming plans. They're small, practical insights about soil, transplants, shade, timing, and planning that can make a big difference. Whether you're already dreaming about next season or just tucking ideas away for later, this episode will help you grow with more confidence next year.
Free Download: Garden Cheat Sheet
A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you know what to plant and when. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/
Key Takeaways
Why bark-heavy bagged soil can quietly limit plant growth.

How warmth and growing degree days affect crop timing and harvests.

Why strong transplants matter more than you might think.

How shade can help or hurt crops depending on the season.

Simple ways to plan successions without overwhelm.

Chapters
00:00 – Why this episode matters now 02:45 – How bark-heavy soil hurts plants 08:40 – What growing degree days explain 13:35 – Why strong transplants matter 18:12 – How shade changes productivity 21:29 – Simple succession planting ideas 26:45 – Trusting your climate instincts 29:38 – Lettuce varieties worth growing 33:50 – Cold-hardy surprises in the garden 36:51 – Self-watering bed results 40:45 – Growing squash vertically 43:58 – Wrapping up the 2025 season
Resource Links
Garden Cheat Sheet (free): https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

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

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

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Sponsor for This Episode
Garden in Minutes – Easy, efficient garden irrigation systems that save time and water. Use code JILL for 7% off your order. http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
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.

Struggling to figure out how to turn your love of gardening into something you can share—or even sell? In this episode, Sarah walks us through how she built a thriving cut flower business for her local farmers market. You'll hear the practical steps she took, what she wishes she knew sooner, and how she manages growing for both beauty and profit. If you've wondered whether you could do something similar, this conversation gives you hope and a clear starting point.
free download: Garden Cheat Sheet
A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you begin your garden with confidence. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/
Key Takeaways
Why selling flowers can be more approachable than selling vegetables

How Sarah planned her first year—and what she'd change

The importance of bloom times, succession planting, and crop selection

How working with a partner shaped the business

What she's learned from customers and community at the farmers market

Chapters
00:00 – Why Sarah chose cut flowers 04:30 – Planning the first flower season 06:20 – Bloom timing and succession basics 10:40 – Overwintering and cool-season flowers 13:40 – Direct sowing vs. plugs 17:30 – Working with a business partner 21:05 – What keeps her motivated 22:50 – The hardest parts of flower farming 25:00 – Planning mistakes in year one 27:45 – Profitable vs. low-profit crops 36:30 – Using plant starts to build early customers 39:10 – Adding microgreens for income 43:40 – What farmers markets taught her about people 47:00 – How to get started selling at a market
Resource Links
Free Garden Cheat Sheet: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/ Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
Soft Paid Mention: Complete Garden Planner – A simple system to plan and track your season. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
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 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.