Fall might still feel far off, but if you want a successful fall harvest, now is the time to start those seeds indoors. Today on Just Grow Something, I walk you through the step-by-step timing strategy for indoor seed starting specifically for fall gardening.Learn how to:Calculate back from your first fall frost date to find yoursowing and transplanting windowsAdjust days to maturity using the “fall buffer” methodChoose the best crops to start indoors based on your zone and daylight hoursUtilize strategies for short-season gardeners and season extendersFrom understanding the Persephone period to selectingshort-season varieties, this episode equips you with the tools to master indoor seed starting for the fall garden. Let’s dig in!Fall Buffer Chart:Planting Window Before Frost: Days to Maturity Adjustment> 11 weeks: +10% buffer8–10 week: +20% buffer5–7 weeks: +40% buffer3–4 week: +70% buffer Links:Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comSeed to Sprout Course: https://www.justgrowsomething.com/indoor-seed-startingResources:Plant Growth Factors: TemperatureSowing Planting Calculation | UC Agriculture and Natural ResourcesFall Vegetable Gardening | UGA Cooperative ExtensionFind the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/fall-garden-seed-starting-secrets-ep-257
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How to Harvest, Cure, and Store Garlic and Onions - Ep. 256
Your summer garlic and onion harvest are ready, now what? You spent a lot of time and energy getting this crop to maturity, let’s not waste that effort by allowing them to go soft before we get to use them. Today on Just Grow Something, I give expert tips for harvesting, curing, and storing garlic and onions to keep them fresh through next spring. Learn how to recognize when your crops are ready, the best techniques for drying and storing, and how to avoid spoilage. Plus, I share alternative preservation methods like freezing and dehydrating. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned grower, this episode will help you get the most from your harvest.What You’ll Learn:When and how to harvest garlic and onionsIdeal curing conditions and durationHow to store for short- and long-term freshnessAlternative storage techniques (oil, freezing, dehydration)The best types for long-term storageLet’s dig in!Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comReferences and Resources:Garlic episodes: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/search/garlicOnion episodes: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/search/onionLoveland Acres Farm: lovelandacresfarm.orgGet 10% off and FREE shipping on my favoriteraised planters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593Find the show notes at:https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/how-to-harvest-cure-and-store-garlic-and-onions-ep-256
This week we dive deep into the world of garden weeds and how some seemingly harmless plants can actually be Trojan horses harboring pests and diseases. Learn how to identify five major plant families by their flowers, leaves, and growth habits — and why removing these weeds early can protect your precious crops.Today on Just Grow Something You'll Learn:The role of alternate hosts in pest and disease cyclesHow to identify Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, and Amaranthaceae weedsWhy flower structure is the key to early identificationTips for weed removal and garden protectionThis episode is ad-free in support of Loveland Acres Farm. Please consider donating at lovelandacresfarm.org to support Scarlett's vital community work.Visit our sponsor HeirloomRoses.com and save 20% on your order using code JUSTGROW.
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Spring Interplanting Strategies: What Worked, What Flopped, and Why - Ep. 254
From experimenting with peas shading lettuces to using mint as a living mulch for kale and cucumbers, this week on Just Grow Something I share the successes, tweaks, and surprises of my spring growing season. If you’re looking to maximize yield, minimize weeds, and experiment with companion planting, this episode is packed with all the things. And these can all be repeated for fall! Let's dig in!What We Cover:How to use “high, low, fast, slow” principles in garden planningThe pros and cons of using mint as a living mulchPairings that worked: Beets & kale, Collards and mintWhat didn't work, maybe?: Kohlrabi & beetsHow my vegetable persona is... okra?!References and Resources:Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comGet 10% off and FREE shipping on my favorite raisedplanters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.comJust Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shopJust Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomethingBonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomethingAmazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething
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Pest Patrol: Mosquitoes and Ticks in the Garden - Ep. 253
Summer gardening should be about sunshine and fresh veggies, not swatting and scratching. So, this week on Just Grow Something we dig into the science and strategy behind controlling two of the most irritating garden pests that go after the gardeners, not our plants: ticks and mosquitoes. Learn which ones are in your region, understand the risks they carry, and implement practical, research-backed solutions to protect yourself and your family while in the garden. From landscape tweaks to personal protection hacks and a game-changing DIY mosquito trap, this episode has everything you need to enjoy your garden bite-free.We cover:Common tick species by region and associated diseasesMosquito types and their disease vectorsNatural vs. chemical repellent optionsLandscaping tips to deter pestsHow to build a “Bucket of Doom” mosquito trapLet's dig in!References and Resources:Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comhttps://homegrownnationalpark.org/mosquito-bucket-challenge/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/in-depth/tick-species/art-20546861?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://extension.psu.edu/using-insect-and-tick-repellents-safelyhttps://www.canr.msu.edu/news/summer_safety_part_3_mosquitoes_and_tickshttps://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/ticks/managing-ticks-landscapehttps://hawxpestcontrol.com/how-to-treat-standing-water-to-prevent-mosquitoes-in-your-yardhttps://extension.sdstate.edu/how-avoid-being-dinner-preventing-tick-and-mosquito-biteshttps://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.htmlhttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-deet-bad-for-you-and-your-kidshttps://ticksafety.com/about-ticks/seed-ticks-tick-bombs/Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.comJust Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shopJust Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomethingBonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomethingAmazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething
About Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening
Grow a better vegetable garden, whether you're a seasoned gardener or have never grown a thing in your life. Karin helps home gardeners learn to grow their own food using evidence-based techniques and research. She talks all about specific plants, pests, diseases, soil and plant health, mulch, garden planning, and more. It's not just the "how" but also the "why" that makes us better. The goal? For everyone to know how to grow their own food no matter what sized space they have or their experience level.
Tune in each week to plan, learn, and grow with your friend in the garden, Karin Velez.
Listen to Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening, Gardening with the RHS and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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