The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Struggling to know which garden insects are friends or foes? Learn why wasps, hoverflies, and bees may be doing more to protect your garden than you realize. This episode will change how you see beneficial insects and natural pest control in your vegetable garden.
Free Download: Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart
Learn how to identify beneficial insects and common garden pests so you can protect the helpers in your garden with confidence.
https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs
Many gardeners see insects and immediately wonder whether they're helping or hurting the garden. But what if some of the bugs you fear the most are actually some of your greatest allies? In this episode, I sit down with science writer and Insect Safari author Margie Patlak to explore the fascinating world of beneficial insects. We talk about wasps, hoverflies, bees, and the surprising ways they pollinate crops, control pests, and even demonstrate remarkable intelligence. If you've ever wanted to garden more naturally, this conversation will help you see your garden through a whole new lens.
Key Takeaways
Learn why most wasps are valuable garden allies, not enemies.
Discover how hoverflies provide both pollination and natural aphid control.
Understand the differences between solitary, parasitic, and social wasps.
Find out why bees are far more intelligent than most gardeners realize.
Learn how healthy gardens naturally encourage beneficial insect populations.
Chapters
00:00 – Why insects deserve another look 03:03 – Why gardeners misunderstand wasps 06:50 – Wasps as natural pest control 07:45 – Solitary vs. social wasps 13:30 – Why hoverflies matter 18:30 – The hidden intelligence of bees 26:20 – How bees communicate and learn 31:15 – Building a balanced garden ecosystem 35:30 – Final encouragement
Resource Links
Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Friday Garden Emails https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@JourneyWithJill
Instagram https://instagram.com/journeywithjill
Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast
Guest Resource:
Insect Safari by Margie Patlak 
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.

Yellow leaves, chewed-up plants, and tomatoes that suddenly stop producing can make it feel like your garden is falling apart. But many common midsummer garden problems have simple explanations once you know what to look for. In this episode, you'll learn how to diagnose yellowing leaves, tell the difference between nutrient deficiencies and diseases, identify what's eating your plants, and understand why heat can interfere with tomato and pepper production. These practical gardening tips will help you troubleshoot problems with more confidence and avoid treating the wrong issue.
🌱 Fall Custom Garden Plans are now open! Want a personalized fall garden plan designed specifically for your garden? I'll help you create a planting schedule, bed layout, and step-by-step growing plan based on your space and goals. These spots are limited and sold out quickly last year. Learn more and reserve your spot here: https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden/
Free Download: Harvest to Jar Estimator Plan your tomato harvest with confidence by estimating how many plants you need for the jars you want to preserve. https://journeywithjill.net/harvesttojar
Key Takeaways
Learn how to diagnose yellow leaves by where symptoms appear on the plant.
Understand the difference between nutrient deficiencies and plant diseases.
Identify common insect pests by the damage they leave behind.
Discover why tomatoes, peppers, and other crops stop setting fruit during extreme heat.
Learn practical troubleshooting steps before reaching for fertilizer or pesticides.
Chapters
00:00 – Why midsummer gardens suddenly struggle
02:13 – Fall garden planning opportunity
03:00 – What yellow leaves are really telling you
05:45 – Mobile vs. immobile nutrients explained
08:45 – Common nutrient deficiencies to recognize
13:35 – When a soil test is worth it
14:10 – Using AI to diagnose garden problems
15:35 – Nutrient deficiency or disease?
18:15 – Identifying diseases by leaf patterns
19:00 – What's eating your plants?
21:20 – Finding nighttime garden pests
Resource Links
Free Download: Tomato Diseases Guide Identify common tomato diseases and learn how to respond before they spread. http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide
Friday Emails (Newsletter) https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@JourneyWithJill 
Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden 
Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast 
Complete Garden Planner  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 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.

Summer gardening can leave you feeling worn out, but your best harvest may still be ahead. If you've been wondering whether a fall garden is worth the effort, this episode will help you start planning without feeling overwhelmed.
Learn three simple decisions you can make now to prepare for a productive fall vegetable garden, including which crops to grow, when to start seeds, and how to get your garden space ready before planting season begins.
Free Download: Celery Growing Guide
Want to grow fresh celery for soups, Thanksgiving dressing, and winter meals? My free Celery Growing Guide walks you through how to successfully grow celery from seed through harvest. You'll also get access to additional growing guides for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, and more.
👉 https://journeywithjill.net/celery-guide
Key Takeaways
Decide which cool-season crops you'll actually enjoy eating this fall.
Learn which vegetables should be direct sown and which need transplants.
Know when to start fall transplants before it's too late.
Plan ahead for garden space as summer crops finish producing.
Prepare your soil and protect young plants for a healthier fall harvest.
Chapters
00:00 – Free celery growing guide
01:00 – Why now is the perfect time to dream about fall
03:20 – Decide what to grow
06:10 – Direct sow or transplant?
08:30 – Should you buy or grow transplants?
10:20 – When to start seeds indoors
11:40 – Planning your garden space
15:05 – Making room for fall crops
16:35 – Refreshing your soil
17:25 – Using shade cloth for success
18:50 – Custom plans and fall workshop
21:10 – Final encouragement and resources
Resource Links
Free Celery Growing Guide Grow celery successfully from seed through harvest, plus receive additional crop-growing guides. https://journeywithjill.net/celery-guide
Custom Fall Garden Plans Get a personalized planting plan designed specifically for your garden space and climate. https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden
Live Fall Garden Workshop Learn how to confidently plan, plant, and grow a productive fall garden. https://journeywithjill.net/fallworkshop
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/
Recommended Brands & Products https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Complete Garden Planner Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. 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 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 know how much to water your vegetable garden during summer? You're not alone. Learn how to water raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens with confidence so your plants stay healthy and productive all season long.
Free Download: Raised Bed Soil Options
Stop guessing what to put in your raised beds. Download Raised Bed Soil Options to learn proven soil mixes that help your beds retain moisture while growing healthy plants.
https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-soil
Summer watering isn't as simple as following the "one inch per week" rule. In this episode, I'll explain why your garden's watering needs change throughout the season and how to tell when your plants actually need water. We'll cover raised beds, containers, grow bags, and in-ground gardens, along with practical ways to build a watering system that saves time while keeping your garden thriving.
Self Watering Raised Bed Video: https://youtu.be/cVa5YmwprjU?si=9jG3iFqTqmSBicFm 
Key Takeaways
Learn why the one-inch-per-week rule is only a starting point.
Understand how watering needs change for raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens.
Use the finger test and moisture meter to water with confidence.
Learn how to recognize underwatering versus overwatering.
Discover irrigation systems that make summer watering easier.
Chapters
00:00 – Why summer watering gets confusing
01:24 – Is one inch per week enough?
06:37 – Raised beds vs. containers
11:08 – The finger test explained
15:50 – Heat wilt or drought stress?
19:58 – Signs of overwatering
20:20 – Garden in Minutes watering system
24:00 – Best irrigation methods
Resource Links
Raised Bed Soil Options (Free)
https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-soil
Friday Emails
https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
Complete Garden Planner
https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor for This Episode
Garden in Minutes
Garden in Minutes makes watering raised beds simple with Garden Grids and their new programmable timer, designed specifically from gardener feedback. The timer features durable brass fittings, improved water flow, an easy rain-delay function, and simple programming.
Use code Jill for 7% off your purchase.
Affiliate Link:
http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
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 empty garden beds after harvesting spring crops? Wondering what to plant in June and July without wasting valuable garden space?
In this episode, you'll learn which vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive in summer heat so you can keep harvesting, suppress weeds, and make the most of your garden all season long.
Whether you're looking for heat-loving crops, succession planting ideas, or simple ways to fill empty beds, you'll walk away with practical options you can plant right now.
Free Download: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault
Grow more food with less overwhelm! Get complimentary access to a library of growing guides, charts, and resources to help you garden with clarity and confidence.
👉 http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Key Takeaways
Discover heat-loving crops that thrive when temperatures rise.
Learn how succession planting extends your harvest season.
Find out which flowers can keep garden beds productive and beautiful.
Use days-to-maturity and frost dates to make smarter planting decisions.
Start preparing now for fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and celery.
Chapters
00:00 – Why empty beds invite weeds 02:39 – What to plant now 05:25 – Understanding succession planting 06:08 – Heat-loving crops for summer 17:55 – Best succession planting options 20:37 – Second planting of tomatoes 24:59 – Fresh basil all season 26:24 – Summer flowers that thrive 29:06 – Calculate days to maturity 31:27 – Prepare for fall crops 32:05 – Free celery growing guide
Resource Links
Free Download: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Connect with Jill
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/
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 Ready for a simple system to plan and track your season? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
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.