Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast
By: Kathi Rodgers
Language: en-us
Categories: Leisure, Home, Garden, Hobbies, Education
Grow a successful vegetable garden, no matter where you live.
Episodes
Listener Question: Saving Seeds From Hybrid Tomatoes (Sun Gold)
Jan 07, 2026Leave a comment here!
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 trueWhether hybrid seeds can ever become stable or heirloomTwo practical solutions I personally use when I love a hybrid tomato and want consistent results year after yearI also share a quick bonus tip on storing cherry tomatoes so they last weeks lon...
Duration: 00:05:49Gardening on a Budget: How to Save Money While Growing Your Own Healthy Food
Oct 13, 2025Leave a comment here!
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
...
Duration: 00:13:016 Simple Steps for Fall Garden Cleanup
Sep 29, 2025Leave a comment here!
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/
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Overwintering Tomato Plants
Sep 15, 2025Leave a comment here!
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.
Dow...
Duration: 00:15:58How to Keep Produce Fresh Longer, with Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy
Sep 01, 2025Leave a comment here!
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, an...
Duration: 00:28:20How to Save Seeds from Your Vegetable Garden
Aug 18, 2025Leave a comment here!
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.c...
Duration: 00:13:09When to Plant Your Fall Garden
Aug 04, 2025Leave a comment here!
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.
Transcript/Related article: When to Plant a Fall V...
Duration: 00:11:05Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Garden
Jul 21, 2025Leave a comment here!
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 yo...
How to Get Rid of Squash Bugs Organically
Jul 07, 2025Leave a comment here!
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...
Duration: 00:13:38Grow More in Less Space: Growing Vegetables Vertically
Jun 23, 2025Leave a comment here!
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 fe...
Duration: 00:13:00Why You Should Grow Flowers in Your Vegetable Garden
Jun 09, 2025Leave a comment here!
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...
Duration: 00:11:48Quick Wins: Fast-Growing Vegetables
May 26, 2025Leave a comment here!
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.
Downlo...
Duration: 00:11:18Volunteer Plants: How to Use Them Wisely
May 13, 2025Leave a comment here!
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 growi...
Duration: 00:13:43Gardening Tips, Farm Life, and the CowPots Story with guest Amanda Freund
Apr 28, 2025Leave a comment here!
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/
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How to Transplant Tomatoes the Right Way
Apr 14, 2025Leave a comment here!
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 Tom...
Duration: 00:08:55What To Do With Green Tomatoes in the Fall
Sep 04, 2024Leave a comment here!
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.
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Survival Seeds, Are They Necessary?
Jul 22, 2024Leave a comment here!
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...
9 Warm Weather Vegetables That Will Thrive in Your Summer Garden
Jun 12, 2024Leave a comment here!
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<...
The Benefits of Composting for Your Backyard Garden
May 29, 2024Leave a comment here!
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 3r...
Which Tomato Variety is Best for Your Garden?
Apr 21, 2024Leave a comment here!
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 fr...
Duration: 00:16:147 Easy-to-Grow Spring Vegetables
Apr 07, 2024Leave a comment here!
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
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How to Plant Potatoes in Containers
Feb 14, 2024Leave a comment here!
Potatoes are a great way to make ends meet, and you can save even more money by growing them in containers. There are a few things you need to pay attention to though, and we'll discuss them in this episode. Let's dig in!
Transcript/related post:
How to Plant Potatoes in Containers
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Seeds vs Transplants in Your Vegetable Garden
Feb 07, 2024Should you plant seeds in your vegetable garden or buy transplants instead? Transplants are a quick and easy "instant garden," but some plants don't like to be transplanted. Learn which plants you should plant from seeds, which you can transplant into the garden, and how to choose healthy transplants.
Transcript/Related Post:
Seeds vs Transplants in Your Vegetable Garden
Get your free cheat sheet for transplants here
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What to Plant in a Vegetable Garden
Jan 16, 2024Leave a comment here!
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:
Benefits of Growing in Raised Garden Beds
Jan 03, 2024Leave a comment here!
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.
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Grow a Salad Garden in a Small Space
Dec 13, 2023Leave a comment here!
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
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How to Recover from a Bad Garden Year
Nov 29, 2023Leave a comment here!
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
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Planting Garlic in Your Backyard Garden or Containers
Nov 15, 2023Leave a comment here!
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
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Growing Vegetables in Containers and Pots
Nov 15, 2023Leave a comment here!
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
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Duration: 00:11:49Why You Should Plant a Garden
Nov 07, 2023Leave a comment here!
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
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