Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Beanstalk : A Podcast for Gardeners

Halloween is almost here, fellow Beans, and we're taking a little detour into the stranger side of gardening history!

This week on The Beanstalk, we're exploring the fascinating connections between Halloween, the autumn harvest, and the crops that helped shape some of our favorite traditions. From the surprising origins of jack-o'-lanterns to unusual harvest customs and a little seasonal folklore, there's plenty hiding beneath the surface of this spooky holiday!

We'll also be whipping up some delicious old-fashioned spiced apple butter to celebrate the season.

So grab a warm drink, settle in, and join us for a special Halloween adventure!

From our patch to yours… keep on climbing! 🎃🌱

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Ever wondered what it would be like to grow your own artichokes? These unusual vegetables might look a little intimidating, but there's a lot more to them than meets the eye!

This week on The Beanstalk, we're exploring the fascinating world of artichokes, from their surprising botanical origins to the challenges and rewards of growing them in your own garden. We'll also talk about what makes these plants a little different from your everyday vegetables and whether gardeners in colder climates can get in on the fun.

And of course, we've got a delicious garlic-butter roasted artichoke recipe to try!

Pull up a chair, fellow Beans, and let's get growing! 🌱

From our patch to yours… keep on climbing!

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Small berries, big flavor, and a surprisingly interesting history!

This week on The Beanstalk, we're exploring the wonderful world of currants! These colorful little berries have been enjoyed for centuries, but their history in American gardens hasn't always been smooth sailing.

What makes these cold-hardy shrubs worth growing? And why were they once considered such a problem that restrictions were placed on growing them?

We'll explore these questions and more, along with a few tips for growing your own and a delicious homemade currant jelly recipe!

So pull up a chair, fellow Beans, and let's get growing! 🌱

From our patch to yours… keep on climbing!

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Pineapples probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind when you picture a backyard garden—especially if your backyard happens to spend part of the year buried in snow.

But that doesn't mean we can't grow one.

This week on The Beanstalk, we're heading into the tropics to explore one of the strangest fruits we've covered yet. We'll find out how a pineapple actually grows, why the fruit itself isn't quite what it appears to be, and how something you'd normally toss into the compost might just become your next houseplant.

These plants are tough, weird, surprisingly patient, and they have a few tricks up their spiky sleeves that make them unlike almost anything else we've grown.

And once we finally get our hands on a pineapple, we're firing up the grill and putting it to good use with a simple dessert worthy of a Chill, Chat & Cook evening.

So grab a pineapple, fellow Beans—and whatever you do, don't throw away the top.

We're growing pineapples! 🍍🌱

From our patch to yours… keep on climbing.

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Cabbage might seem like one of the simpler vegetables in the garden, but there’s a whole lot hiding underneath those tightly packed leaves.

This week on The Beanstalk, we’re digging into one of the great cool-season classics and discovering just how strange its family tree really is.

We'll talk about growing beautiful heads of cabbage, dealing with the little critters that seem determined to eat them before we do, and some of the quirks that can make this seemingly simple vegetable a little more complicated than expected.

And once harvest time arrives, we're putting some of that cabbage to work in the kitchen with a homemade classic that lets some microscopic helpers do part of the cooking for us.

So make a little room in the cool-season garden, fellow Beans.

We're growing cabbage! 🥬🌱

From our patch to yours… keep on climbing.

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When you think of kiwis, chances are you picture those fuzzy little brown fruits sitting in the grocery store.

But there's a whole lot more growing beneath that fuzzy exterior.

This week on The Beanstalk, we're digging into the surprisingly strange world of kiwis—and finding out that this seemingly tropical fruit has a few relatives that might be tougher than you'd ever expect.

From massive vines and unusual fruits to some downright fascinating plant biology, kiwi has plenty of surprises waiting for us. And, of course, we'll eventually find our way into the kitchen and make something delicious with them too.

So grab your gardening gloves and find something sturdy to climb, fellow Beans.

We're growing kiwis! 🥝🌱

From our patch to yours… keep on climbing.

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🍄 This week on The Beanstalk, we're diving headfirst into the incredible world of garden fungi—and we're going deep. 

We'll explore edible mushrooms you can deliberately cultivate, including wine caps in wood-chip beds, oyster mushrooms, shiitakes on hardwood logs, portobellos, lion's mane and more, before wandering into the world of famous wild mushrooms like chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, morels and chanterelles. Then we're heading underground to discover mycelium, decomposition, mycorrhizal fungi, and the ancient partnerships that help plants access nutrients and water through microscopic fungal networks. 

We'll separate some of the science from the hype surrounding mycorrhizal products, talk about beneficial fungi versus fungal diseases, and explore ways to encourage a healthier fungal ecosystem in the garden. And because an episode this mushroom-heavy deserves an equally ridiculous recipe, we're making an absolutely loaded multi-mushroom bourguignon where the fungi are unquestionably the stars of the show. 

If you've ever wondered what's really happening beneath the mulch after those mysterious mushrooms appear, this is the episode for you, fellow Beans. 🌱🍄

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🌱 This week on The Beanstalk, we're turning the microphone over to the fellow Beans for our first big Questions & Answers episode! 

We're talking garlic scapes, favorite tomato varieties, why I grow an unreasonable number of cucumbers, my background with food and gardening, and the story behind why I started The Beanstalk in the first place. We'll also count down some of my greatest garden successes and most painful failures—including 250 pounds of tomatoes, a 150-plant cucumber jungle, a bean disaster, and the spearmint invasion that was ultimately defeated by a completely unrelated plumbing catastrophe. 😂 

Instead of our usual recipe, we're talking about the importance of building strong communities and holding onto the good people who make our gardens—and our lives—better. Then we'll finish with gardening history, the rise of gardening podcasts and video, and a Garden Nerd Corner about how sharing gardening knowledge has evolved from conversations over the fence to conversations around the world. 

Never give up, never surrender, and keep growing together, fellow Beans. 🌱

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This week on The Beanstalk, we're looking beyond the garden rows and exploring some of the edible plants hiding in plain sight. 🌿

From dandelions and purslane to dock, lamb's quarters, and other familiar wild plants, we're digging into what they are, how they've been used, and why some of the plants we call weeds are surprisingly useful. We'll talk about growing and harvesting them, safe identification, seed saving, and even turn a few properly identified wild greens into dinner. 

Most importantly, we'll cover why knowing exactly what you've found—and where it has been growing—matters before you ever take a bite. You may never look at the weeds in your garden quite the same way again! 🌱

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Episode 67 – Melons – Sweet, Sprawling and Refreshing

Melons are taking over The Beanstalk this week! 🍈 We're digging into cantaloupes, honeydews, muskmelons, and some of the specialty varieties that make growing your own so much fun. 

We'll talk about getting those vines through the summer, pollination, pests, figuring out when a melon is truly ripe, saving seeds, and why a vine-ripened melon can taste so different from one at the grocery store. We'll also put the harvest to work with a fresh Summer Melon and Cucumber Salad and dig into some surprisingly nerdy melon biology along the way. 

If you've ever wanted to grow sweeter, better melons right out of your own garden, come hang out with your fellow Beans! 🌱

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Episode 66 – Zinnias – Bright, Cheerful and Blooming

This week on The Beanstalk, we're bringing a splash of color to the garden with zinnias! 🌼

 Learn how to grow these easy, heat-loving flowers, keep them blooming all season, save seeds for next year, and attract butterflies and pollinators to your yard. We'll also whip up a colorful summer pasta salad inspired by the beauty of the garden and explore some fascinating facts about one of the easiest flowers you'll ever grow. 

Whether you're planting your first flower bed or adding color to your vegetable garden, this episode is blooming with ideas! 🌱

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Episode 65 – Ornamental Flowering Trees – Elegant, Colorful and Timeless

Spring may only last a few weeks, but ornamental flowering trees can leave memories that last a lifetime! 🌸

This week on The Beanstalk, we're exploring some of the most beautiful flowering trees you can grow, from elegant Japanese cherries and colorful redbuds to classic dogwoods and wildlife-friendly serviceberries. We'll cover planting, care, common problems, and even mix up a refreshing Cherry Blossom Lemonade.

If you've ever wanted to transform your landscape with breathtaking seasonal color, this episode is for you! 🌳🌱

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Episode 64 – Honeysuckle – Fragrant, Colorful and Climbing

This week on The Beanstalk, we're climbing into the fragrant world of honeysuckle! 🌸

Join John as we explore the differences between native and invasive varieties, learn how to grow and care for these beautiful vines, discover why hummingbirds can't get enough of them, and even make a refreshing homemade honeysuckle lemonade. We'll also dive into fascinating history, fun facts, and the science behind one of the garden's sweetest-smelling plants.

Whether you're looking to add more pollinators to your yard or simply enjoy an incredible floral display, this episode has something for every Fellow Bean! 🌱

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Episode 63 – Blueberries – Sweet, Hardy and Mighty

This week on The Beanstalk, we're taking a closer look at blueberries! 🫐

We'll cover everything from creating the perfect acidic soil to harvesting sweeter berries, dealing with common pests, and growing healthy bushes that can produce for decades.

We'll also bake up a batch of homemade blueberry muffins, share some fascinating facts about these little superfruits, and dig into the science behind what makes blueberries so unique.

Whether you're planting your first bush or looking to improve an established patch, this episode has something for every Fellow Bean! 🌱

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Episode 62 – Blackberries – Bold, Juicy and Brambly

This week on The Beanstalk, we're diving into the sweet and productive world of blackberries! 🌱 From choosing the right variety and caring for your canes to harvesting perfectly ripe berries and tackling common pests organically, we'll cover everything you need to grow a thriving blackberry patch.

We'll also whip up a delicious homemade blackberry cobbler, share some fascinating berry facts, and finish things off with a deep dive into the science behind these incredible plants.

Whether you're planting your very first blackberry or managing an established patch, there's something here for every Fellow Bean. 🍇

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Episode 61 – Raspberries – Sweet, Simple, and Rewarding

🍓 The community requested it, and we're kicking off our new listener-inspired episode block with raspberries!

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into everything you need to know about growing healthy, productive raspberry plants—from choosing the right varieties and understanding primocanes versus floricanes to pruning, harvesting, companion planting, and keeping your patch thriving for years to come.

We'll also bake up a simple homemade raspberry crisp and explore some fascinating facts about one of the garden's sweetest perennial treats. 🌱🍓

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Episode 60 – In-Ground vs Raised Beds vs Containers – The Great Garden Debate

In Episode 60 of The Beanstalk, we tackle one of the biggest gardening debates: in-ground gardens, raised beds, or containers. 🌱 

We break down the advantages, disadvantages, hidden costs, water needs, soil realities, accessibility concerns, and practical differences between each growing method. We also look at small backyard gardens, larger homesteads, indoor container growing, and why large-scale farms usually think about these systems differently.

Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your whole garden setup, this episode is all about choosing the growing space that actually fits your life.

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Episode 59 – Peanuts – Peculiar, Productive, and Underground

This week on The Beanstalk, we're digging into one of the strangest crops you can grow: peanuts! From their surprising underground fruiting habit to their connection with soil health and nitrogen fixation, peanuts are far more fascinating than most people realize.

We'll talk varieties, growing tips, harvesting, seed saving, common challenges, and even make a batch of homemade peanut butter.

Whether you've grown them before or are just learning how they actually develop, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few surprises along the way. 🌱🥜🌿

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Episode 58 – Turnips – Humble, Hardy, and Helpful

Turnips might just be the most misunderstood vegetable in the garden, and in this episode of The Beanstalk, we're setting the record straight. 🌱

We'll explore sweet Japanese salad turnips, classic heirlooms, growing tips, common problems, and why this humble crop has been feeding people for thousands of years. Plus, we'll roast up some maple-glazed turnips and give those often-overlooked greens the attention they deserve.

Whether you're already a turnip fan or a lifelong skeptic, this episode might just convince you to give them another chance. 🥕✨

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Episode 57 – Fruit Trees – Patient, Productive, and Rewarding

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we're heading into the orchard to explore the world of fruit trees. 🌳

From apples and pears to peaches, plums, and nectarines, we cover choosing varieties, planting, watering, pruning, and dealing with common challenges. I also share some thoughts from this unusually warm winter and how it had me paying closer attention to chill hours and the health of my own trees.

Whether you're planting your first backyard fruit tree or already dreaming of a small orchard, this episode is packed with practical advice for the long haul. 🍎🍑🌱

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Episode 56 – Bok Choi – Crisp, Quick, and Versatile

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we take a deep dive into bok choi, one of the fastest-growing and most underrated vegetables you can grow. 🌱

We cover planting, harvesting, common pests, companion planting, and why this cool-season brassica deserves a permanent spot in more gardens. We also cook up a simple garlic ginger stir-fried bok choi recipe and explore the fascinating history behind this ancient crop.

Whether you're growing it for the first time or looking to improve your harvests, there's plenty to dig into in this episode. 🥬

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Episode 55 – Tea Gardens – Calm, Useful, and Underrated

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we slow things down and explore the world of tea gardens. 🌱

From mint and chamomile to lemon balm and lavender, we talk about growing herbs specifically for teas, relaxation, and everyday comfort. We cover harvesting, drying, common issues, and even put together a calming homemade tea blend straight from the garden.

It’s a quieter kind of gardening episode — but one that connects the garden to daily life in a really meaningful way.

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Episode 54 – Pumpkins – Massive, Mighty, and Misunderstood

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we finally dive deep into pumpkins — from giant sprawling vines to pie pumpkins and everything in between. 🎃

We talk growing techniques, pest issues, pollination, harvesting, storage, and why pumpkins are far more useful than most people realize. There’s also a warm roasted pumpkin soup recipe and a look into the surprisingly fascinating history and biology behind these massive plants.

Whether you grow pumpkins every year or have never tried them before, this episode is packed with practical advice and seasonal gardening energy.

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Episode 53 – Cooking Herbs – Flavor, Freshness, and Function

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into cooking herbs and how they transform both your garden and your kitchen.

🌱 Learn the difference between soft and woody herbs, how to grow them successfully, and how to harvest for the best flavor.

We also talk common issues, companion planting, and simple ways to use fresh herbs in everyday meals.

If you’ve ever wanted to take your cooking to the next level straight from your garden, this episode is for you.

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Episode 52 – Green Onions – Simple, Sharp, and Reliable

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into green onions — one of the simplest and most reliable crops you can grow. 🌱 

From starting them from seed to regrowing them from scraps, we cover everything you need to keep a steady supply going. We also talk about common issues, harvesting methods, and how to make the most of this versatile plant in the kitchen. 

It’s a small crop with a big impact on your everyday meals.

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Episode 51 – Salad Mixes – Fast, Fresh, and Endless

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dig into one of the fastest and most rewarding things you can grow — salad mixes. 🌱

From cut-and-come-again harvesting to building your own custom blend of greens, this episode is all about maximizing flavor and productivity in a small space.

We talk about what to plant, how to grow it, and how to keep the harvest going all season long. Plus, we wrap it all up with a simple, fresh garden salad straight from the soil to your plate.

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Episode 50 – Warm Winter – Strange, shifting and stubborn

Episode 50 of The Beanstalk dives into what it really means to garden through a winter that doesn’t feel like winter. 🌱 

We talk about warm weather challenges, chill hours, pest pressure, and how to adapt when the seasons don’t follow the usual pattern. From garlic concerns to fruit trees and watering in dry conditions, this episode is all about staying flexible and learning as you go. 

If your winter has felt a little off lately, this one will help you make sense of it.

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Episode 49 – Goldenrod – Bright, buzzing and misunderstood

This week on The Beanstalk, we’re clearing the air about Goldenrod and giving this bright late-season powerhouse the credit it deserves. 🌼 

We talk about how to grow it, manage common pests and fungal issues, and why it’s one of the most important pollinator plants in late summer. You’ll also hear about companion planting, seed saving, and even a simple Goldenrod citrus honey tea you can try at home. 

If you want bold color and buzzing life in your garden when everything else is fading, this episode is for you. 🌱

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Episode 48 – Blanketflower – Bold, blazing and resilient

This week on The Beanstalk, we’re diving into Blanketflower, one of the boldest and toughest bloomers you can grow. 🌼🔥

We talk about how to grow it, how to keep it thriving through heat and drought, and what to watch out for when pests or drainage issues show up. You’ll also get companion planting tips, seed saving advice, and a colorful summer skillet recipe inspired by those fiery blooms. 

If you’re looking for long-lasting color and pollinator power, this episode is for you. 🌱

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Episode 47 – Rabbitbrush – Golden, Gritty, and Glorious

Episode 47 of The Beanstalk is all about rabbitbrush — a golden, drought-tough native that lights up the landscape in late summer and fall. 🌼 

We explore how to grow it, manage common issues, save seeds, and design resilient gardens that support pollinators when they need it most. If you’re building a water-wise landscape or want bold color during the shoulder seasons, rabbitbrush deserves your attention. 

Tune in for practical tips, ecological insights, and a honey-lemon dessert inspired by its glow. 🌿

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Episode 46 – Globemallow – Fiery, Fearless, and Resilient

Episode 46 of The Beanstalk is all about globemallow — a fiery, drought-tough native that thrives where other plants struggle. 🌞 

We explore how to grow it, manage common issues, save seeds, and design water-wise landscapes that support pollinators. If you’re building a resilient garden in hot, dry conditions, this plant deserves a spot on your radar. 

Tune in for practical tips, ecological insights, and a bold Southwest-inspired recipe to match its energy. 🌿

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Episode 45 – Milkweed – Wild, Vital, and Transformative

In Episode 45 of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into milkweed and why this bold native plant is essential for monarch butterflies and pollinators alike. 🦋 

We talk about choosing the right species, managing pests organically, saving seeds, and building real habitat in your backyard. You’ll learn how milkweed supports entire ecosystems and how to grow it successfully in your own space.

If you’ve ever wanted your garden to truly make an impact, this episode is for you. 🌿

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Episode 44 – Nasturtium – Peppery, Playful, and Powerful

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re digging into nasturtiums — one of the most versatile and exciting plants you can grow. 🌿 

From companion planting benefits to edible flowers and homemade pesto, we explore why this bold little annual deserves a spot in every garden. We talk pests, seed saving, varieties, and even the science behind that peppery kick. 

If you want a plant that feeds you and protects your veggies at the same time, this one’s for you. 🌼

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Episode 43 – Yarrow – Tough, Timeless, and Useful

 This week on The Beanstalk, John takes a deep dive into yarrow, a tough, ancient plant that’s been helping gardens and people thrive for thousands of years 🌿.

We talk about how to grow it, harvest it, handle common problems, and why it’s such a powerful ally for pollinators and soil health.

You’ll hear about its long history, its modern uses, and an easy way to bring it into your kitchen. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant with serious depth and purpose, this episode is for you.

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Episode 42 – Bee Balm – Bold, Buzzing, and Brilliant

 In this episode, John digs into bee balm, a bold native plant that supports pollinators, smells incredible, and quietly ties together beauty, function, and resilience 🌼🐝.

We talk about how to grow it, harvest it, deal with common problems, and why it plays such an important role in a healthy garden ecosystem. There’s a cozy herbal tea recipe, plenty of fun facts, and a deeper dive into the science and history behind this amazing plant.

Along the way, we reflect a bit on balance, simplicity, and how nature often already has things figured out. If you’ve ever wanted a plant that feels meaningful as well as practical, this one’s for you.

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Episode 41 – Utah Daisy - Resilient, Wild and Friendly

We’re kicking off a special run of flower-focused episodes on The Beanstalk, and this week we’re starting strong with Utah Daisy. 🌼

John dives into how this tough native flower thrives in hot, dry conditions while blooming steadily all season long for pollinators and wildlife. You’ll learn how to grow it, manage common problems, save seeds, and design a garden that works with nature instead of against it.

Along the way, we nerd out over plant science, talk companion planting, and even set the vibe with a perfect summer garden recipe. If you’re looking to build a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly garden, this episode is for you, fellow Beans.

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Episode 40 — Irrigation — Drips, Drops, and Sanity

Today we’re diving into the surprisingly deep world of irrigation — from watering cans and hoses all the way to drip systems, clay ollas, and passive hydrology.

John shares the saga of how a water main failure transformed his yard into an irrigation experiment, and why consistency matters more than sheer volume when it comes to watering.

We cover practical tools, day-to-day realities, challenges, long-term payoff, and even some ancient techniques that modern gardeners are rediscovering. A cozy and thoughtful long-form episode for anyone looking to water smarter, stress less, and grow stronger. 💧🌱

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Episode 39 — Cauliflower — Creamy, Crinkly and Clever

Today on The Beanstalk we’re talking cauliflower — the creamy, fractal, surprisingly finicky brassica that rewards good timing and consistent care. 

We’ll cover how to grow it, why it’s worth the effort, how to avoid common cauliflower heartbreaks like buttoning, and why Romanesco looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. 

We’ll roast up some cauliflower steaks in the recipe section and geek out about plant evolution in the Garden Nerd Corner. If you’ve ever been curious about how this veggie works, or just want to get better at growing it, this episode is for you. 🌱

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Episode 38 – Swiss Chard – Colorful, Tough, and Tasty

 Swiss chard is one of the most reliable and colorful greens you can grow, and in this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down why it deserves a spot in every garden 🌱. 

From planting and harvesting to dealing with pests and cooking it up in simple, tasty ways, this episode covers everything you need to know. You’ll learn why chard keeps producing when other greens give up and how to make the most of every leaf. 

There’s plenty of practical advice mixed with fun plant facts along the way. If you want a low-stress, high-reward crop, this episode is for you.

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Episode 37 – Brussels Sprouts – Cold-Hardy, Sweet and Productive 

Brussel sprouts are one of the most misunderstood crops in the garden, and today on The Beanstalk, John sets the record straight. 🌱 

From planting and pest control to harvesting after frost and cooking them into something truly crave-worthy, this episode covers everything you need to know to grow great sprouts. You’ll learn why timing matters, what can go wrong, and how to fix it organically. 

Along the way, there are plenty of practical tips and a few fun surprises about this cool-weather classic. If you’ve ever sworn off brussel sprouts, this episode might just change your mind.

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Episode 36 – New Year, New Growth

A new year always feels like a fresh planting season, and this episode of The Beanstalk is all about new growth in more ways than one 🌱 

John reflects on how the podcast began, why community matters more than ever, and what the launch of Patreon means for the future of The Beanstalk. From self-reliance and food security to shared knowledge and slow, steady progress, this episode sets the tone for the year ahead. 

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just found the show, this one’s about growing forward together. 🌾✨

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Episode 35 — Lettuce - Fast, Fresh and Forgiving

Lettuce might seem simple, but growing it at home changes everything 🌿 In this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down how to grow, harvest, and enjoy lettuce for maximum freshness and flavor. 

From pest problems and bolting to companion planting and seed saving, this episode covers everything you need to keep the salads coming. If you want fast wins and big rewards in the garden, lettuce is where it’s at 🥬

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Episode 34 – A Gardener’s Christmas - Holiday Plants & Traditions

Celebrate the season with The Beanstalk in this Christmas special episode! 🎄 John walks through the plants at the heart of holiday tradition, from holly and mistletoe to poinsettias, Christmas cactus, ivy, and evergreen trees. 

You’ll hear some of the fascinating botanical and cultural stories behind each one, learn why they became symbols of the season, and even enjoy a cozy holiday recipe.

Whether you’re curling up by the fire or trimming your tree, this episode brings festive plant lore and cheer to your garden year-round. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, fellow Beans!!

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Episode 33 — Broccoli - Demanding, Nutritious and Surprisingly Productive

Broccoli might look calm, but it’s a demanding, nutrient-packed powerhouse that keeps gardeners on their toes 🥦 

In this episode of The Beanstalk, John digs into how to grow, harvest, and protect broccoli from pests while getting the most flavor and nutrition possible. 

From cool-season timing to soil health, pest battles, and kitchen wins, this episode covers it all. Whether broccoli has betrayed you before or you’re growing it for the first time, this episode will help you get the most bang for your buck. 🌱

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Episode 32 — Spinach - Fast, Fearless, and Foolproof

Spinach might be humble, but it’s one of the hardest-working plants in the garden 🌿

In this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down why spinach is such a powerhouse crop, how to grow it successfully in cool weather, and how to keep it producing before heat sets in.

You’ll learn about harvesting, pests, seed saving, and even how spinach earned its legendary reputation.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this episode proves spinach deserves a permanent spot in your beds. 🌱

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Episode 31 – Radishes – Fast, Fiery and Underrated

 Radishes might be small, but they pack a serious punch, and today on The Beanstalk we’re giving them the respect they deserve. 🌱 

In this episode, I dig into why radishes are one of the fastest, most useful crops you can grow, how to grow them well, and what they can teach you about your soil. We’ll talk varieties, pests, harvesting at the right moment, and even how radishes quietly improve your garden behind the scenes. 

There’s also a simple, fresh recipe that shows off radishes at their best. If you’ve ever grown radishes — or struggled with them — this episode will change how you look at these fiery little roots.

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Episode 30 — Chickens - The Real Garden MVPs

Today on The Beanstalk, we’re stepping beyond the raised beds and diving straight into the coop for a deep, feathery, long-form episode all about backyard chickens. 🐔 

I talk about why chickens are some of the best companions a gardener can have, how to raise them in a way that complements your garden, and all the joys and challenges they bring to a homestead. 

You’ll also hear the full saga of Rogue, the Golden Wyandotte who survived a predator attack and found safety with my flock. We’ll cover care, pests, eggs, garden integration, and even a cozy homestead recipe made with your own fresh eggs. 

If you’ve ever wanted chickens or just love hearing about the chaos and charm they bring, this episode is for you. Come hang out, laugh, learn, and maybe consider adding a feathered friend or two to your garden ecosystem.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 29 - Beets - Nature’s Sweet Root With a Sassy Attitude

In Episode 29 of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into the colorful, earthy, surprisingly sweet world of beets!

From choosing the right varieties to growing, thinning, harvesting, and dealing with leaf miners, this episode is packed with practical tips and fun stories.

We’ll talk root development issues, companion planting, and how to save your own beet seed like a pro. We’ll also whip up a bright roasted beet and orange salad.

Whether you’re a beet lover or a beet skeptic, this episode will give you everything you need to grow them with confidence. Tune in and get ready to see beets in a whole new light! 🌱✨

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌻 Episode 28 — Sunchokes - Abundant, Resilient, and Infamously Gassy

Sunchokes are hardy, productive, and… let’s be honest, a little infamous for what they do to your digestive system. In this episode, we dig into how to grow them, why they spread like they’re trying to take over the world, and how to harvest and cook them without fear. 

I also share a fun story about my friend Laura giving me some tubers this year—and how I’ve been agonizing over where to plant them so they don’t colonize my yard. We’ll talk pests, planting tips, saving tubers, and we wrap it all up with a delicious roasted sunchoke recipe. 

If you’ve ever been curious about Jerusalem artichokes, this is your crash course. Tune in and let’s grow together! 🌱

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 27 — Winter Gardening - The Best Time to Plan, Repair, and Grow

🌱 In this episode, John tackles Winter Gardening—the season of planning and repair!

Learn why the freeze-thaw cycle is actually good for your soil and how to monitor hardy crops like kale and garlic.

We cover essential indoor gardening ideas (like microgreens) and the crucial steps for winterizing your water lines and tools.

This episode is your guide to staying productive, busy, and excited, even when the garden sleeps!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.