Is Homegrown Produce More Nutritious? How Your Soil Makes the Difference - Ep. 260
In this eye-opening episode, I unpack the shocking truth about nutrient loss in modern fruits and vegetables. A 2023 review found that today’s produce contains significantly fewer vitamins and minerals than in decades past. Some nutrients have dropped by up to 80% since the 1950s!We explore how industrial agriculture, depleted soils, and synthetic fertilizers have impacted our food and, more importantly, how we as home gardeners can grow more nutrient-rich produce by focusing on soil health. Soil nerds, unite!I talk about the essential role of soil microbes and organic matter in our soil in creating nutritious food (and how synthetic fertilizers can’t compete), how composting, mulching, and no-till gardening can restore soil health, and give you actionable tips for increasing nutrient density in your own garden. If you care about what goes into your food and on your family’s plate, this is a must-listen. Let’s dig in!Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comReferenced episodes:Ep. 18 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Plant Nutrients and Why You Need to Know ThemFocal Point Friday: Plant Nutrient BasicsCompost EpisodesFind the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/is-homegrown-produce-more-nutritious-how-your-soil-makes-the-difference-ep-260
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How to Extend Your Gardening Season with Successful Fall Crops - Ep. 259
This week I share how to take your fall garden from conceptto cultivation. Learn when to plant, what to grow, and how to extend your harvest well into winter. Discover why fall gardening is more than just practical - it's backed by science and perfect for nutrient-dense, flavorful produce with fewer pests!What You’ll Learn:The science behind why fall gardens are nutritionally and logistically smartBest timing strategies based on frost dates and daylight reductionFall-friendly crops and succession planting strategiesTips for season extension using row covers and container gardeningHow to improve soil health and prep beds for fall successLet’s dig in!Save20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW at https://heirloomroses.comReady to plan your fall garden? Join the free Fall GardenChallenge now: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/fallResources:Fall Garden Seed Starting Secrets - Ep. 257: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/fall-garden-seed-starting-secrets-ep-257Find your frost dates: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdatesFind the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/how-to-extend-your-gardening-season-with-successful-fall-crops-ep- 259
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5 Quick Crops to Fill Summer Garden Gaps - Ep. 258
This week we dig into the strategy of mid-to-late summersuccession planting—how to make the most of garden space left vacant by spring crop failures or early harvests. I share five heat-loving, fast-maturing crops you can direct sow now to squeeze in one last summer harvest before fall. Learn how to keep your beds productive, beat pest cycles, and maximize soil health, all without needing indoor seed starts.What You’ll Learn:Why filling summer garden gaps mattersKey traits of good late-summer cropsMy top five heat-loving, fast-growing picksLet’s dig in!Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roseswith code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comFor full show notes visit https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episodes/5-quick-crops-to-fill-summer-garden-gaps-ep-258
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Fall Garden Seed Starting Secrets - Ep. 257
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
Acerca de 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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