Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast

Episod

• 
  Blossom End Rot: What Causes It and How to Stop It 10.08.2026 8min

  You spot a dark, sunken patch on the bottom of a beautiful tomato - and immediately wonder what went wrong. Blossom end rot is frustrating, but the good news is that it isn't a disease, and it doesn't mean your whole crop is doomed. In this episode, we'll talk about what really causes blossom end rot, and how watering, weather, and growing conditions affect your tomato plants' ability to take up the calcium they need. You'll also learn what to do when blossom end rot appears and some simple w...
• 
  30 Years of Growing Tomatoes: Lessons From My Garden 27.07.2026 12min

  After 30 years of growing tomatoes, I've made just about every mistake there is to make. I've experimented with varieties, trellises, pruning methods, containers, raised beds, and just about everything in between. In this episode, I'm sharing the biggest lessons my tomato plants have taught me. We'll talk about finding what works in your garden, why experimenting is part of the process, and the simple practices I've settled on after three decades of trial and error. If you've ever wondered ...
• 
  When to Harvest Vegetables from Your Garden 13.07.2026 12min

  The seed packet says your carrots should be ready in 70 days - but what if they're still tiny? Or your broccoli starts flowering before you harvest it? In this episode of HOMEGROWN, we're talking about how to know when your vegetables are truly ready to harvest. You'll learn why "days to maturity" are only a guideline and how to recognize the signs that common garden crops are ready to pick. Thanks for hanging out in the garden with me today! Transcript/related post: https://www.oakhillhomest...
• 
  Tomato Hornworms: How to Spot Them and Save Your Plants 29.06.2026 10min

  Tomato hornworms are one of the most destructive pests in the vegetable garden. These giant green caterpillars can strip a tomato plant of leaves before you even realize they're there. Learn how to identify tomato hornworms and tobacco hornworms, recognize the signs of damage, protect your tomato plants using companion planting, beneficial insects, and other organic gardening methods. You'll also discover a surprising and fun way to find hidden hornworms. Download your FREE Tomato Growing Gu...
• 
  Beyond Vegetables: Growing Fruit in Your Backyard 15.06.2026 18min

  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...
• 
  How to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden, and Why It's Important 01.06.2026 8min

  Want more tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and melons from your backyard garden? Pollinators may be the missing piece: they help your vegetables produce bigger, better harvests. In this episode, we’re talking about how pollination works, which pollinators are helping in your garden, and simple ways to attract more bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects naturally. Small changes can make a surprisingly big difference. Grab your free Pollinator-Friendly Plants guide - a handy reference chart of p...
• 
  How to Get Rid of Cabbage Worms Naturally 18.05.2026 11min

  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/...
• 
  Not All Plants Get Along: Companion Planting for Beginners 04.05.2026 12min

  Not all plants get along in the garden, while others actually help each other grow better. Let's walk through the basics of companion planting - you’ll learn what it is, why it works, and a few easy combinations you can try in your own garden, along with a few to avoid. Transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2026/05/companion-planting-explained.html And if you’re ready to take it a step further, the Homegrown Garden Blueprint workbook will help you map out your entire garden with confi...
• 
  4 Beginner Gardening Mistakes: How to Avoid Them 20.04.2026 9min

  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 ...
• 
  Why You Can’t Grow Big Onions (And How to Fix It) 07.04.2026 15min

  Can’t seem to grow big onions? In this episode, I walk you through the most common mistakes like choosing the wrong onion type, planting too late and more - and how to fix them. Learn the simple steps that lead to larger bulbs and a better harvest. Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2026/03/grow-big-onions.html How to harvest, cure and store onions: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2018/06/harvest-and-store-onions.html I recommend Dixondale Onion Farm...
• 
  Listener Question: Saving Seeds From Hybrid Tomatoes (Sun Gold) 07.01.2026 5min

  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...
• 
  Gardening on a Budget: How to Save Money While Growing Your Own Healthy Food 13.10.2025 13min

  Gardening doesn't have to be expensive. In this episode we share easy, frugal gardening ideas for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. From saving money on seeds and soil to reusing containers and more, you’ll discover how to garden on a budget and still grow a thriving harvest. These resourceful tips will help you save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the process of growing your own healthy, organic food. Related post: Gardening on a Budget: Frugal Gardening Tips to Save Money - https://www...
• 
  6 Simple Steps for Fall Garden Cleanup 29.09.2025 10min

  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...
• 
  Overwintering Tomato Plants 15.09.2025 15min

  If you've ever wanted to skip the seed-starting chaos or hold onto a variety you love, this episode is for you. I’ve been overwintering tomato plants for over a decade - no greenhouse or grow lights required - and I’ll walk you through three simple methods that really work. You’ll hear the exact technique I use in my kitchen window, plus tips to keep your plants alive, healthy, and ready to thrive next spring. If you’ve never tried this before, it might just change the way you garden. Downloa...
• 
  How to Keep Produce Fresh Longer, with Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy 01.09.2025 28min

  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...
• 
  How to Save Seeds from Your Vegetable Garden 18.08.2025 13min

  Learn how to save seeds from your vegetable garden with this beginner-friendly guide. Discover the benefits of saving heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, how to avoid cross-pollination, and tips for proper seed storage. Whether you grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, or lettuce, this episode will teach you how to collect and preserve seeds for next season. Build a self-reliant garden and grow healthier, better-adapted vegetables year after year. Transcript/Related article: Why You Should S...
• 
  When to Plant Your Fall Garden 04.08.2025 11min

  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...
• 
  Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Garden 21.07.2025 14min

  Is your summer vegetable garden just barely hanging on? In this episode, I’m sharing ten practical strategies to help you grow a thriving garden, even when the heat is relentless and the pests move in. Uncover simple ways to water wisely, use shade to your advantage, and keep your plants healthy and productive all summer long. Transcript/Related post - Prefer to read instead? Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Garden https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/07/10-secrets-to-thriving-summer-g...
• 
  How to Get Rid of Squash Bugs Organically 07.07.2025 13min

  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 )...
• 
  Grow More in Less Space: Growing Vegetables Vertically 23.06.2025 13min

  You can grow more food without needing more space. In this episode, we’re exploring how vertical gardening can help you maximize your garden’s potential, even in a small area. From trellises to arches and cages, I’ll walk you through simple tools and techniques to grow crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, melons, and more - up instead of out. You’ll also discover why growing vertically isn’t just about saving space; there are some surprising benefits that can make your garden healthie...