Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast

Let's talk about simple ways to grow fruit right alongside your vegetables - no fruit trees required! From strawberries in containers, to melons, berries, kiwi and some unusual curiosities too, you'll discover how fruit can fit into gardens of almost any size. No matter how large or small your backyard garden might be - even containers on a patio - adding fruit to your garden can increase your harvest and make your space even more productive. Join me as we explore practical ideas for growing...

Cabbage worms can turn healthy plants into a mess almost overnight, but you don’t have to let them take over your garden. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what they are, how they get there, and the simple, effective ways to stop them before the damage gets out of hand. We’ll talk about prevention, and organic solutions. If you grow cabbage, broccoli, kale, or other brassicas, this is one problem you can get ahead of. Related post/transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/...

Starting a vegetable garden is exciting, but many new gardeners unknowingly make a few simple mistakes that can affect how well their plants grow. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 beginner gardening mistakes and how to avoid them so your garden can grow healthier and more productive this season. If you're just getting started and would like help planning your garden, take a look at The Homegrown Garden Blueprint, my step-by-step workbook designed to help you avoid common mistakes and grow with ...

A listener recently asked a great question about saving seeds from hybrid tomatoes - specifically from the SunGold variety - and what happens when you save and replant those seeds over time. In this short, practical mini-episode, I explain: Why hybrid tomato seeds usually don’t grow trueWhether hybrid seeds can ever become stable or heirloomTwo practical solutions I personally use when I love a hybrid tomato and want consistent results year after yearI also share a quick bonus tip on st...

Let's walk through the essential fall garden cleanup chores, from clearing spent plants and mulching to caring for perennials and tools, so your garden is ready for a fresh start next spring. These six steps will help protect your soil, reduce pests, and prepare for a thriving spring garden. Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/fall-garden-cleanup-guide.html The Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting: https://the-down-to-earth-guide.milotreecart.com/ Subscr...

Are you tired of tossing out wilted lettuce and moldy berries? In this episode I’m joined by Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy, the go-to expert on keeping produce fresh longer. We talk about how to wash and store everything from avocados to zucchini, how to stretch your garden harvest or your grocery budget, and easy ways to reduce food waste. Transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/how-to-keep-produce-fresh-longer-tips.html You'll find Amy at The Cross Legacy on Instagram, YouT...

Timing is everything when it comes to fall gardening; your plants need enough time to mature before the first frost of autumn. In this episode we'll figure out your average first frost date, the ideal time to plant, and what vegetables to grow in a fall garden. You'll learn how to protect tender seedlings from the heat and sun, plus how to extend your harvest with succession planting. Take advantage of autumn and grow a fall garden. Transcript/Related article: When to Plant a Fall Veg...

Squash bugs can ruin your squash harvest fast, but you can stop them without resorting to chemicals. In this episode, learn how to identify squash bug damage, how to begin prevention before you even plant your squash, and how to get rid of squash bugs organically. From resistant squash varieties and companion planting to organic pest control and prevention, you’ll get a full plan to protect your garden. Download your free printable “Companion plants for squash” here ( https://rb.gy/wp85l4 )...

This week we're digging into the many benefits of growing flowers right alongside your vegetables. From controlling pests to attracting pollinators and improving soil health, flowers are more than just eye candy. Learn how to use flowers for companion planting, where to place trap crops for maximum pest protection, which flowers grow best with common vegetables - and which ones don't! Even if you’re gardening in containers, flowers can play a big role in your garden’s health and beauty. Let’s...

Have you ever spotted a surprise seedling in your garden bed and wondered if it’s a weed or something worth keeping? In this episode we'll dive into the world of volunteer plants - those unexpected, self-sown seedlings that pop up on their own. You’ll learn where they come from, how to identify them, and whether to let them grow, move them to a better spot, or toss them in the compost. You'll find practical tips and fresh appreciation for the volunteer plants in your vegetable garden. Y...

Timing is everything when it comes to transplanting tomatoes in your garden! In this episode, we're digging into how to transplant tomatoes the right way so they'll thrive in their new home. You'll learn when to transplant tomatoes outside, the best time of day to transplant tomatoes, and how deep to transplant tomatoes for strong, healthy plants. We’ll also talk about how to prevent and manage transplant shock in tomatoes. Give your tomatoes the best start possible! Get your free Tom...

Should you invest in a survival seed kit? These pre-packaged seeds are meant to be stored away long-term until you have to start growing your own food after an emergency or world-wide crisis. Here's why a survival seed kit might be a good option, but perhaps not your best option. I'll tell you why, and what to do instead - even if you already have a package of survival seeds stashed away for an uncertain future, which really isn't a bad idea! Transcript/Related Post: Survival Seeds - ...

Discover the benefits of composting for your vegetable garden, and the advantages of composting at home. Composting your yard waste and kitchen garbage is the best way to improve your garden. Here are four reasons you should be composting, in honor of Learn About Composting Day. RELATED POST: 4 Reasons You Should Be Composting https://bit.ly/compostreasons The natural antidepressant in dirt is mycobacterium vaccae. Purchase my ebook The Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting on sale until...