The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

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.

Struggling with poor potato harvests or slow growth? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn how to plant potatoes step-by-step for stronger plants and better yields. From choosing seed potatoes to soil prep and spacing, this potato planting guide will set you up for success.
Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, but planting them correctly makes all the difference. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to do before planting day, including how to choose the right seed potatoes, whether to chit them, and how to prepare your soil. I'll also share what's worked in my garden over the years, including mistakes I've made so you can avoid them.
free download: Seasonal Garden Task List Know what to do each month—no more guessing. https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list
Key Takeaways
Choose certified seed potatoes to protect your soil and improve yields

Match potato varieties to your cooking goals and growing season

Prep soil with organic matter and balanced fertilizer

Plant at the right depth and spacing for strong growth

Use mulch or light hilling to protect developing potatoes

Resource Links
Seasonal Garden Task List (free): https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list

Connect:
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/

Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Complete Garden Planner Plan and track your season with my all-in-one downloadable planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor(s) for this Episode
Garden in Minutes – Simplify your watering system with easy-to-use garden grids. Use code Jill for 7% off: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Cross County Nursery – A trusted source for quality plants to support your garden success.
Wood Prairie Family Farm – Certified organic seed potatoes in a wide range of varieties. Use code JILL5 for 5% off: http://journeywithjill.net/woodprairie
As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.