Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast

Why You Can’t Grow Big Onions (And How to Fix It)

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Can’t seem to grow big onions? In this episode, I walk you through the most common mistakes like choosing the wrong onion type, planting too late and more - and how to fix them. Learn the simple steps that lead to larger bulbs and a better harvest.

Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2026/03/grow-big-onions.html

How to harvest, cure and store onions: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2018/06/harvest-and-store-onions.html

I recommend Dixondale Onion Farms if you're looking for onion plants.

Subscribe and Review
New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one!

If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Keep in Touch
Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead
Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Listener Question: Saving Seeds From Hybrid Tomatoes (Sun Gold)

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

A listener recently asked a great question about saving seeds from hybrid tomatoes - specifically from the SunGold variety - and what happens when you save and replant those seeds over time.

In this short, practical mini-episode, I explain:

Why hybrid tomato seeds usually don’t grow true
Whether hybrid seeds can ever become stable or heirloom
Two practical solutions I personally use when I love a hybrid tomato and want consistent results year after year

I also share a quick bonus tip on storing cherry tomatoes so they last weeks longer.

🎧 The podcast is currently on winter break and will return with new episodes in April. Be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the new season. Click here to subscribe to my email list. https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown

Links mentioned in this episode:

How to overwinter tomato plants - Episode 26
Produce storage tips - Episode 25

Gardening on a Budget: How to Save Money While Growing Your Own Healthy Food

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Gardening doesn't have to be expensive. In this episode we share easy, frugal gardening ideas for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. From saving money on seeds and soil to reusing containers and more, you’ll discover how to garden on a budget and still grow a thriving harvest. These resourceful tips will help you save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the process of growing your own healthy, organic food.

Related post: Gardening on a Budget: Frugal Gardening Tips to Save Money - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/10/gardening-on-a-budget.html

Volunteer Plants - see Episode #17

Shop my favorite garden tools

Seed Library Network

Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting

Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email: https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown

6 Simple Steps for Fall Garden Cleanup

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Let's walk through the essential fall garden cleanup chores, from clearing spent plants and mulching to caring for perennials and tools, so your garden is ready for a fresh start next spring. These six steps will help protect your soil, reduce pests, and prepare for a thriving spring garden.

Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/fall-garden-cleanup-guide.html

The Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting: https://the-down-to-earth-guide.milotreecart.com/

Overwintering Tomato Plants

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

If you've ever wanted to skip the seed-starting chaos or hold onto a variety you love, this episode is for you. I’ve been overwintering tomato plants for over a decade - no greenhouse or grow lights required - and I’ll walk you through three simple methods that really work. You’ll hear the exact technique I use in my kitchen window, plus tips to keep your plants alive, healthy, and ready to thrive next spring. If you’ve never tried this before, it might just change the way you garden.

Download your free printable “Tomato Tips” here (https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/i26cg0r2j2)

Transcript/related article: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2012/10/perennial-tomatoes.html

Submit your gardening question here for our Q&A episode: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/p/ask.html

Disclaimer: Some modern tomato varieties may be protected by plant patents, which means you shouldn’t propagate them by cuttings or save their seeds without permission. Most heirlooms and many home garden hybrids aren’t patented, so they’re fine for personal use. When in doubt, check the seed packet or tag.

How to Keep Produce Fresh Longer, with Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Are you tired of tossing out wilted lettuce and moldy berries? In this episode I’m joined by Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy, the go-to expert on keeping produce fresh longer. We talk about how to wash and store everything from avocados to zucchini, how to stretch your garden harvest or your grocery budget, and easy ways to reduce food waste.

Transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/how-to-keep-produce-fresh-longer-tips.html

You'll find Amy at The Cross Legacy on Instagram, YouTube, and her website. Check out her Zero Waste Produce Guide here: https://thecrosslegacyshop.com/products/zero-waste-produce-guide

Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email: https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown

How to Save Seeds from Your Vegetable Garden

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Learn how to save seeds from your vegetable garden with this beginner-friendly guide. Discover the benefits of saving heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, how to avoid cross-pollination, and tips for proper seed storage.

Whether you grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, or lettuce, this episode will teach you how to collect and preserve seeds for next season. Build a self-reliant garden and grow healthier, better-adapted vegetables year after year.

Transcript/Related article: Why You Should Save Seeds from Your Vegetable Garden - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/08/save-seeds-from-your-garden.html

Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email: https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown

You might also enjoy: How to Store Your Leftover Seeds - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2017/03/how-to-store-leftover-seeds.html

When to Plant Your Fall Garden

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Timing is everything when it comes to fall gardening; your plants need enough time to mature before the first frost of autumn. In this episode we'll figure out your average first frost date, the ideal time to plant, and what vegetables to grow in a fall garden. You'll learn how to protect tender seedlings from the heat and sun, plus how to extend your harvest with succession planting. Take advantage of autumn and grow a fall garden.

Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email: https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown

You might also enjoy: How to Grow Garlic - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2023/09/how-to-grow-garlic-from-cloves.html

Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Garden

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Is your summer vegetable garden just barely hanging on? In this episode, I’m sharing ten practical strategies to help you grow a thriving garden, even when the heat is relentless and the pests move in. Uncover simple ways to water wisely, use shade to your advantage, and keep your plants healthy and productive all summer long.

Transcript/Related post - Prefer to read instead?
Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Garden
https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/07/10-secrets-to-thriving-summer-garden.html

Grab your free printable list of the summer garden secrets in this episode.
Download it here: https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/xdzl1xda34

You might enjoy this related blog post too:
Warm Weather Vegetables That Will Thrive in Your Summer Garden
How to Fight Blister Beetles Organically

How to Get Rid of Squash Bugs Organically

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Squash bugs can ruin your squash harvest fast, but you can stop them without resorting to chemicals. In this episode, learn how to identify squash bug damage, how to begin prevention before you even plant your squash, and how to get rid of squash bugs organically. From resistant squash varieties and companion planting to organic pest control and prevention, you’ll get a full plan to protect your garden.

Download your free printable “Companion plants for squash” here ( https://rb.gy/wp85l4 )

See photos of squash bugs, nymphs and egg clusters here ( https://rb.gy/4l5x66 )

Oak Hill Homestead website
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Grow More in Less Space: Growing Vegetables Vertically

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

You can grow more food without needing more space. In this episode, we’re exploring how vertical gardening can help you maximize your garden’s potential, even in a small area. From trellises to arches and cages, I’ll walk you through simple tools and techniques to grow crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, melons, and more - up instead of out.

You’ll also discover why growing vertically isn’t just about saving space; there are some surprising benefits that can make your garden healthier and more productive too. Plus, I’ll share a few clever ways to use vertical gardening to extend your growing season and create helpful microclimates.

Transcript:
Grow More Food in Less Space with Vertical Gardening
(OR copy/paste: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/06/verticalgardening.html )

Related post:
Easy Ways to Trellis Tomato Plants
(OR copy/paste:
https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2017/06/diy-easy-garden-trellis.html )

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Why You Should Grow Flowers in Your Vegetable Garden

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

This week we're digging into the many benefits of growing flowers right alongside your vegetables. From controlling pests to attracting pollinators and improving soil health, flowers are more than just eye candy.

Learn how to use flowers for companion planting, where to place trap crops for maximum pest protection, which flowers grow best with common vegetables - and which ones don't!

Even if you’re gardening in containers, flowers can play a big role in your garden’s health and beauty. Let’s bring your garden to life, one flower and vegetable at a time.

Transcript/Related article: Why You Should Grow Flowers in Your Vegetable Garden - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/05/flowers-in-vegetable-garden.html

Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email: https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown

You might also enjoy: Volunteer Plants: How to Use Them Wisely

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead website
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Quick Wins: Fast-Growing Vegetables

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

You can grow fresh, homegrown food in just a few weeks! In this episode, you’ll discover some of the fastest-growing vegetables, plus when and how to harvest them. You’ll also learn about the quickest crops of all: sprouts and microgreens. Even if you’re short on time or space, you can grow food fast. Bonus: these quick-growing vegetables are perfect for beginners!

What are the fastest-growing vegetables? How long before I can harvest looseleaf lettuce? How can I choose fast-growing varieties? Find out in this episode.

Download the list of fast-growing vegetables here.
( https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/xwnw03s6vc )

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Volunteer Plants: How to Use Them Wisely

Tue, 13 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Have you ever spotted a surprise seedling in your garden bed and wondered if it’s a weed or something worth keeping? In this episode we'll dive into the world of volunteer plants - those unexpected, self-sown seedlings that pop up on their own. You’ll learn where they come from, how to identify them, and whether to let them grow, move them to a better spot, or toss them in the compost.

You'll find practical tips and fresh appreciation for the volunteer plants in your vegetable garden. You might be growing more food than you think!

Transcript/Related Post: Free Food in Your Garden: Make the Most of Volunteer Plants - https://bit.ly/VolunteerPlants

You might also enjoy How to Root Tomato Cuttings
Check out our Grow Guides for various vegetables and fruit.

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Gardening Tips, Farm Life, and the CowPots Story with guest Amanda Freund

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Join host Kathi Rodgers and guest Amanda Freund as they share advice and tips for new gardeners, chat about farm life, and Amanda tells the story of the creation of CowPots, a sustainable alternative to peat and plastic seed-starting pots.

Transcript/Related post
Visit CowPots' website for more information: https://cowpots.com
CowPots for home gardeners: https://cowpots.com/for-home-gardeners/

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead website
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

How to Transplant Tomatoes the Right Way

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Timing is everything when it comes to transplanting tomatoes in your garden! In this episode, we're digging into how to transplant tomatoes the right way so they'll thrive in their new home.

You'll learn when to transplant tomatoes outside, the best time of day to transplant tomatoes, and how deep to transplant tomatoes for strong, healthy plants. We’ll also talk about how to prevent and manage transplant shock in tomatoes. Give your tomatoes the best start possible!

Get your free Tomato Tips cheatsheet - https://bit.ly/tomatocheatsheet - so you can grow incredible tomatoes!

Transcript/Related Post:
How to Transplant Tomato Plants - https://bit.ly/transplanttomatoplants

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

What To Do With Green Tomatoes in the Fall

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0400

If you're growing tomatoes in your backyard vegetable garden, you'll probably have green tomatoes left on your plants at the end of the season. If you're wondering what you can do with those green tomatoes, you'll appreciate these suggestions to ripen your green tomatoes before the first fall frost, and to get the most out of your harvest.

Can you make your green tomatoes turn red? Can you save your tomato plants from frost? What can you do with green tomatoes? You'll find out in this episode.

Click here for your free Tomato Tips cheatsheet
https://bit.ly/tomatocheatsheet so you can grow incredible tomatoes!

Transcript/Related Post:
What to Do With Green Tomatoes in the Fall - https://bit.ly/usegreentomatoes

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Survival Seeds, Are They Necessary?

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Should you invest in a survival seed kit? These pre-packaged seeds are meant to be stored away long-term until you have to start growing your own food after an emergency or world-wide crisis.

Here's why a survival seed kit might be a good option, but perhaps not your best option. I'll tell you why, and what to do instead - even if you already have a package of survival seeds stashed away for an uncertain future, which really isn't a bad idea!

Transcript/Related Post: Survival Seeds - https://bit.ly/DoYouNeedSurvivalSeeds
Check out the Grow Guides on the website for various vegetables and fruit.
Episode #10 discusses hybrid vs heirloom tomato varieties
Blog Post - Hybrid vs Heirloom Tomato Seeds
Blog Post - Why You Should Plant Heirloom Seeds

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

9 Warm Weather Vegetables That Will Thrive in Your Summer Garden

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we explore nine summer vegetables that thrive in hot weather. Learn essential tips and suggestions for growing these heat-loving vegetables in your backyard garden. Plus, discover the secrets to maximizing your harvest from your garden this summer. Let's dig in!

Transcript/Related Post:
9 Warm-Weather Vegetables for your Summer Garden
https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2023/05/9-warm-weather-vegetables-to-grow.html

Related Links:
How to Transplant Tomato Plants
How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers
Grow Your Own Sweet Potato Slips

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

The Benefits of Composting for Your Backyard Garden

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Discover the benefits of composting for your vegetable garden, and the advantages of composting at home. Composting your yard waste and kitchen garbage is the best way to improve your garden. Here are four reasons you should be composting, in honor of Learn About Composting Day.

RELATED POST: 4 Reasons You Should Be Composting
https://bit.ly/compostreasons

The natural antidepressant in dirt is mycobacterium vaccae.

Purchase my ebook The Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting on sale until June 3rd, 2024. Use coupon code COMPOSTDAY to save 50%.
https://the-down-to-earth-guide.milotreecart.com/

Which Tomato Variety is Best for Your Garden?

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Nine out of 10 gardeners grow tomatoes, making it the most popular garden vegetable to grow. And there are more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes to choose from. Let’s explore the differences - heirlooms vs hybrid varieties, determinate vs indeterminate growing habits, and the six different sizes and shapes of tomatoes.

Which one is best for you? It depends on what you want to do with your tomatoes - whether you want to add them to a salad, top a burger or sandwich, make sauce, or enjoy a snack fresh from the garden. Let’s dig in!

Click here for your free Tomato Tips cheatsheet (https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/i26cg0r2j2) so you can grow incredible tomatoes!

Transcript/Related post:
The 6 Kinds of Tomatoes - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2024/03/determinate-and-indeterminate-tomatoes.html

Hybrid vs Heirloom - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2024/04/hybrid-vs-heirloom-tomatoes.html

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

7 Easy-to-Grow Spring Vegetables

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Discover seven easy-to-grow cool-season plants ideal for your backyard garden. From vibrant greens to flavorful root vegetables plus a delicious fruit, you'll learn about these easy-to-grow spring vegetables and why it's important that you know how to grow your own food.

Transcript/related post:
7 Easy Cool-Season Vegetables to Plant

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

How to Grow Potatoes in Containers (Step-by-Step for Beginners) | HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Learn how to grow potatoes in containers with this simple, beginner-friendly method — perfect for small spaces, raised beds, or anyone who wants a bigger harvest in less room. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the key things that make the difference between a disappointing crop and a bucket full of homegrown potatoes.

Potatoes are a wonderful way to stretch the grocery budget, and container growing makes them possible almost anywhere. Let’s dig in!

Transcript/related post:
How to Plant Potatoes in Containers

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

What to Plant in a Vegetable Garden

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

What will you grow in your backyard vegetable garden? Choosing what to grow in a garden can be overwhelming with all the choices that are available. These tips will walk you through the steps of how to choose the vegetables and fruits to plant in your backyard garden.

You'll find suggested vegetable varieties for small gardens in Episodes #3 and #5.

Transcript/related post:
7 Tips to Choose What to Plant in a Vegetable Garden

Related Links:

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook- Instagram - Pinterest

Benefits of Growing in Raised Garden Beds

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Every inch of soil counts in a backyard garden, and raised garden beds can be a game-changer, an efficient solution with many benefits. From soil improvement to better use of your garden space, learn about the advantages of raised garden beds, and about some of the disadvantages too. Let’s dig in!

Transcript/related post:
The Advantages of Raised Garden Beds

Get your free set of printable plans and materials list to build your own raised garden bed.

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Grow a Salad Garden in a Small Space

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Here are my 8 secrets to growing a successful salad garden in a small space, a flowerbed or in plant pots and containers. You can grow a healthy salad almost anywhere, even if you're short on garden space and have little gardening experience.

Transcript (and free guide to choosing plants for a salad garden):
Grow a Salad Garden in a Small Space

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

How to Recover from a Bad Garden Year

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

How do you deal with a disappointing garden season? Have you tried gardening in the past but you were far from successful and you're not sure you want to try again?

Some years are like that. In fact, I have a confession to make, and I’m going to spill the beans in this episode. Let’s dig in!

Transcript/related post:
Recovering from a Bad Garden Year

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Growing Vegetables in Containers and Pots

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Do you want to grow vegetables and herbs but don't have room for a garden? Grow in containers instead! Learn how to choose the right containers and pots for your plants, and what plants work best in a container garden.

Transcript (and more info about growing vegetables in containers):
Growing Vegetables in Containers and Pots

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Planting Garlic in Your Backyard Garden or Containers

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

How to plant garlic in your backyard garden or in containers. Garlic is easy to plant and easy to grow. Learn about:

types of garlic
when to plant garlic
where to buy garlic bulbs for planting
how to plant garlic
companion plants for garlic

Transcript (and more information about growing garlic!):
Planting Garlic in Your Backyard Garden or in Containers

Find me here:
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Why You Should Plant a Garden

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Whether you've tried to garden before, or you're brand new to the idea - whether you have a tiny backyard or none at all - here's why you should start a garden. Explore the possibilities with Kathi Rodgers, in this first episode of HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast.

Transcript:
Why you should plant a garden - How to start a garden for beginners

Keep in touch!
Oak Hill Homestead, the blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest