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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36:25
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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46:21
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
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42:40
The Chelsea Chop: How to Prune for Longer Blooms and Healthier Plants - Ep. 252
In this short and snippy episode, we dig into a classic gardening technique known as the Chelsea Chop. Named after the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this late spring/early summer pruning method can help home gardeners promote bushier growth, delay blooms for season-long color, and support pollinators with flowering perennials in the garden.If you’re looking to add more beauty to your veggie garden and boost the productivity of your perennials, this episode is your green-thumb guide to giving those flowers a haircut.Today on Just Grow Something we're talking:What the Chelsea Chop is and why it's doneIdeal plants for the technique (Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Phlox, and more)Different pruning strategies and how to choose the right oneThe timing of the chop based on your climate and plant maturityBenefits for both aesthetics and garden health (more airflow, fewer pests!)The Chelsea Chop is more than just a cut—it's a strategic move to shape your garden and support pollinators. Let's dig in!References and Resources:Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comRHS Chelsea Chop: https://www.rhs.org.uk/pruning/chelsea-chopBBC Gardener's World, How to Do the Chelsea Chop: https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/how-to-do-the-chelsea-chop/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
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18:08
Can Gardening Actually Save You Money? - Ep. 251
There’s a persistent myth floating around on social media that gardening is too expensive to be worth the effort when it comes to saving money on groceries. But what if I told you that with the right strategies, your backyard (or balcony!) garden could not only feed your family but actually save you money?Today on Just Grow Something, we’re busting the myth thatgrowing your own food can’t compete with grocery store prices. We’ll explore how your location, soil type, and choices in the garden can make a huge difference in your return on investment. From essential tools and inputs to skip-the-splurge items and savvy seed saving, we’re diving deep into the real numbers and practical tips that make gardening not just a hobby—but a financially smart one. Let’s dig in!In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why some crops offer more bang for your buck than othersWhat you really need to spend money on in your garden—and what you don’tHow to track your gardening costs and harvest value to measure your savingsBudget-friendly strategies like starting from seed, making your own compost, and using free or recycled materialsHow to choose crops and garden methods based on your climate and soil type for maximum returnReferences and Resources:Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com Get 10% off and FREE shipping on my favorite raisedplanters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593USDA Inflation Tracking – Retail Produce Prices: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/fruit-and-vegetable-prices 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.
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