The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Struggling to grow healthy cucumbers that actually produce? You're not alone—cucumbers can be tricky if you don't get a few key things right. In this episode, you'll learn how to grow cucumbers successfully with simple, practical tips you can use right away. Whether you're growing in raised beds, containers, or small spaces, this will help you get a better harvest.
Cucumbers are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but they can also be frustrating when plants struggle, stop producing, or take over your space. In this episode, I walk you through what's worked in my garden when it comes to growing cucumbers—from choosing where to plant them to keeping them productive all season long. I also share how vertical growing methods, including systems like GreenStalk, can help you manage space more efficiently.
Key Takeaways
Choose the right setup for healthy cucumber growth
Use vertical support to improve airflow and yield
Grow cucumbers successfully in small or large spaces
Keep plants productive with simple maintenance
Avoid common issues that limit harvest
Resource Links
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault (free): http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
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/
Complete Garden Planner – Plan and track your season with a simple system: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor(s) for this Episode
GreenStalk Vertical Planter – A simple way to grow vertically and maximize your space, perfect for cucumbers and other vining crops in small areas. Get $50 off all planters during their sale through May 11th, plus use code JILL10 for $10 off a $75 purchase. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk
Garden in Minutes – An easy-to-install watering system that helps you keep your cucumber plants consistently watered without the hassle. 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.
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 pests or poor pollination in your garden? Wondering how to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects naturally? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical ways to support pollinators and grow a healthier vegetable garden.
I'm coming to you from Disney World's Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, where I had the chance to talk with entomologist Morgan Bell at Butterfly Landing. She shares how pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even wasps play a vital role in your garden ecosystem—and how the small choices you make can have a big impact.
We talk about how to attract pollinators, why caterpillars aren't always a bad thing, and what you can do right now to create a garden that supports both productivity and biodiversity. If you've ever wondered how to balance growing food with supporting nature, this episode will give you a clear place to start.
Key Takeaways
Why pollinators are essential for fruit and vegetable production
The difference between host plants and nectar plants
How to attract more bees and butterflies naturally
Simple ways to support pollinators without extra work
Why "messy" gardening can actually improve your harvest
Resource Links
Free Resources:
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Connect with Me:
Newsletter (Friday emails): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebeginnersgarden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden
Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast
Sponsors for This Episode
Garden in Minutes An easy-to-use watering system that delivers consistent moisture right at the soil level—perfect for simplifying your garden routine. Use code Jill for 7% off your order: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes (Discount subject to change.)
Cross Country Nurseries An organic, sustainable nursery specializing in unique pepper varieties, along with tomatoes, herbs, and more—shipped nationwide at the perfect time for your growing zone.
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.

Struggling to know when to plant tomatoes without risking frost? Wondering how deep to plant or what actually matters on planting day? In this episode, you'll learn a step-by-step tomato planting process so you can start strong and grow a healthy harvest.
Tomato planting day can feel exciting… and a little uncertain. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I decide when it's safe to plant, how I prep my planting holes, and what I do right after planting to give my tomatoes the best start possible.
Free Download: Tomato Diseases Guide Quickly identify common tomato problems and learn what to do next so you can protect your harvest. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide
Key Takeaways
How to decide the right time to plant tomatoes
What nighttime temperatures really matter
How deep to plant tomatoes for stronger roots
How spacing impacts airflow and disease
What (if anything) to add to the planting hole
Resource Links
Tomato Diseases Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor for This Episode
Cozy Earth Premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and better sleep. Use code JILL for a special discount. 👉 http://cozyearth.com
Garden in Minutes An easy-to-install garden irrigation system that saves time and ensures consistent watering. Use code Jill for 7% off. 👉 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.
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 figure out what your garden soil actually needs? Confused by compost, topsoil, and raised bed mixes? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical soil basics to grow healthier plants and improve your garden naturally.
Dream to Garden (Now Open!) My step-by-step garden planning course with optional monthly coaching calls to help you plan and grow with confidence. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden 
Key Takeaways
Understand the difference between topsoil, compost, and raised bed soil
Learn how to build healthy soil for raised beds or in-ground gardens
Know how and when to add compost for best results
Avoid common mistakes when buying bagged soil
Discover why feeding your soil matters more than feeding plants
Resource Links
Dream to Garden
https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden 
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault (free): http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsors for This Episode 
Cross Country Nursery A trusted source for high-quality plants, especially if you're looking to expand your garden with reliable varieties. 👉 http://www.chileplants.com/jill 
Garden in Minutes An easy irrigation system that helps you water your garden efficiently without the guesswork. Use code Jill for 7% off: 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.
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.

Feeling unsure about companion planting when you're actually standing in your garden? You're not alone. It's one thing to read charts, but another to decide what goes where in real time. In this episode, you'll learn how companion planting really works, including spacing, timing, and practical garden layout strategies that make sense.
Free download: Companion Planting for Pest Control A simple, practical guide to pairing plants that help naturally reduce pests. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest
If companion planting has ever felt confusing or overly complicated, this episode will walk you through step-by-step principles you can actually use in your garden today.
Resource Links
Companion Planting for Pest Control (free): http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest
Beneficial insects episode: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/235-attracting-beneficial-bugs-to-your-garden-with-jessica-walliser
Friday Emails: 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/
Sponsor(s) for this Episode
Garden in Minutes – Simplify your irrigation setup with an easy-to-install system designed for raised beds. Get 7% off with code Jill: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Cozy Earth – Premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and better sleep. Use code JILL for a special discount: https://cozyearth.com
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.