The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy – Details, episodes & analysis

When November arrives, it can feel like the garden season is winding down—but there's still so much happening if you know where to look. In this episode, Jill takes you on a walk through her own November garden to show what she's harvesting, planting, and protecting right now. You'll learn how she uses this in-between season to prepare for a strong start next spring while still enjoying small harvests and fresh herbs from the fall garden.

Take time to reflect before you plan next year's garden! The free 5-Day Garden Audit helps you assess what worked, what didn't, and what you want to do differently next season. https://journeywithjill.net/audit

• 10 tasks Jill's doing in her Zone 8A garden this November.

• How short-day onions fit perfectly after summer crops.

• What "growing degree days" mean and why they matter.

• Simple ways to protect crops before the first frost.

• Why now's the best time to plan your spring garden.

00:00 – Intro: why November gardening still matters
01:10 – Protecting crops ahead of the first frost
04:30 – Moving the lemon tree and basil to shelter
06:00 – Planting short-day onions after peppers
09:30 – Understanding growing-degree days
14:30 – Interplanting lettuce and testing cold-hardy greens
17:00 – Harvesting and fermenting fall cabbage
19:00 – Small-batch beet pickling tips
20:20 – Overwintering and harvesting herbs
22:30 – Volunteer cilantro and fall collard greens
25:45 – Garlic planting reminders
27:00 – Checking stored onions, potatoes, and garlic
28:10 – Topping off beds with compost for spring

• Free 5-Day Garden Audit → https://journeywithjill.net/audit

• Friday Emails (newsletter) → https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

• Recommended Brands & Products → https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products

• Podcast Archive → https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast

Soft Mention:
🗓 Plan your best season yet with the 2026 Complete Garden Planner – a printable system for planning, tracking, and staying inspired.
https://shop.journeywithjill.net

Disclaimer:
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and feedback from gardeners in other regions. Your results may vary depending on your climate and growing conditions. Always consult local extension resources for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Worried about what happens to your herbs when frost arrives? In this episode you'll learn which herbs survive winter outside, which to bring indoors, and simple steps to protect them. We'll cover pruning timing, zone hardiness, and indoor care so you go into winter with confidence. Keywords: overwinter herbs, herb winter care, pruning.

live workshop: 5-Day Garden Audit + Optional Live Q&A
Reflect on your season and plan smarter for next year. Join the free 5-day email audit; add the live workshop on Thursday, November 6 for $15.
https://journeywithjill.net/audit

free download: Herbs Quick Reference Chart
One-page, printable cheat sheet for growing and using popular herbs.
http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart

Key Takeaways

• Know your herb's life cycle (annual, biennial, perennial) and zone limits before winter.

• Stop heavy pruning 4–6 weeks before first frost; save shaping for spring.

• Cold + wet kills faster than cold alone—prioritize drainage and light mulch after first freeze.

• For borderline zones, protect rosemary from wind; use frost cloth or natural boughs.

• Bringing herbs indoors? Use bright light, let soil dry slightly between waterings, and check for pests.

Chapters

• 00:00 – What to expect in winter

• 03:00 – Rosemary: tender perennial tips

• 07:00 – Sage: prune in early spring

• 09:50 – Thyme: divide and overwinter inside

• 12:20 – Oregano: harvest low before winter

• 14:30 – Mint & lemon balm: dies back, returns

• 16:50 – Chives: freeze better than dry

• 18:40 – Perennial recap & zones

• 21:50 – Parsley (biennial): winter + spring bolt

• 24:30 – Cilantro: winter star, bolts in heat

• 26:40 – Basil/dill: bring in or replant next year

• 28:40 – General winter herb care

• 31:00 – Final reminders

Resource Links

• Herbs Quick Reference Chart (free): http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart

• Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

• Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

• Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

• Podcast archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Sponsor(s) for this Episode

• Organic Rev — I use Rev at transplant and before moving herbs indoors to support roots. Use code JILL10 for 10% off: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. 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 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.

September can feel like a juggling act—summer crops still hanging on, fall crops needing attention, and the pressure to preserve your harvest before it goes to waste. In this episode, Jill shares a practical September checklist to help you stay focused and finish the season strong.

🌱 In this episode:

• What to plant now: spinach, lettuce, salad greens, and cover crops

• Tending tips: when to pull back shade cloth and how to adjust watering

• When and how to prune or pull summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers

• Garlic prep: what to order, where to plant, and how to prepare the bed

• Fall garden must-haves: floating row covers, Organic REV, and preserving plans

🛒 Mentioned in this episode:

• Harvest to Kitchen Course – Final day to grab it for just $97! Learn to can, freeze, dehydrate, and store over 20 crops. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/harvesttokitchen

• Organic REV – Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com for healthier fall transplants and soil

• Free Fall Salad Garden Calendar – Download your guide to planting salad greens all season long

• How to Make the Most of Your Tomato Harvest Podcast - Click here to find out ways to make your tomato harvest the best one yet before your first fall frost.

🎧 Tune in for your step-by-step guide to a productive September garden!

My Products:
2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!)
https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page: 
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ 

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Connect with Jill:   
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos  

The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ 

(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Get the Before You Sow course for free now through Jan 23rd: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/beforeyousow/ 

Where to find Gardener Scott: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsI0LmiDyezbnN2JCL4P9w

Website https://gardenerscott.com/index.html 

Where to find your garden zone: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ 

(*links below contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Organic REV
The first thing to understand about REV is that it is not an ordinary humic acid product that is chemically-extracted from leonardite, lignite, or other coals.  
Rather, it is a 100% naturally-occurring carbon, humic acid & fulvic acid source - along with exceptionally high levels of naturally-occurring microbial biomass 
that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%.  REV replaces depleted soil carbon & bacterial biomass - and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily 
available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code for 10% off JILL10

My Products:
2024 Complete Garden Planner
https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page: 
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Connect with Jill:   
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 

The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Before You Sow Mini Course (free now through 1/23/2024!): https://journeywithjill.net/beforeyousow

Get my Garden Planning Toolkit here for only $19 (Worth $120!): https://journeywithjill.lpages.co/garden-planning-toolkit-twe/ 

Show Notes:

(*links below contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Organic REV
The first thing to understand about REV is that it is not an ordinary humic acid product that is chemically-extracted from leonardite, lignite, or other coals.  
Rather, it is a 100% naturally-occurring carbon, humic acid & fulvic acid source - along with exceptionally high levels of naturally-occurring microbial biomass 
that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%.  REV replaces depleted soil carbon & bacterial biomass - and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily 
available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code for 10% off JILL10

My Products:
2024 Complete Garden Planner
https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page: 
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Connect with Jill:   
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 

The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Show Notes:

Seed Starting Workshop Replay: https://journeywithjill.net/seedstartingworkshop 

Connect with Jonah: 

My Products:
2024 Complete Garden Planner
https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page: 
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Connect with Jill:   
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 

The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Show Notes:

Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide (Free Download): https://journeywithjill.lpages.co/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide/ 

Seed Starting Workshop Sign-Up: https://journeywithjill.net/seedstartingworkshop 

My Products:
2024 Complete Garden Planner
https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page: 
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Connect with Jill:   
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 

The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Show Notes:

Seed Starting Workshop Sign-Up: https://journeywithjill.net/seedstartingworkshop 

Organic REV
The first thing to understand about REV is that it is not an ordinary humic acid product that is chemically-extracted from leonardite, lignite, or other coals.  
Rather, it is a 100% naturally-occurring carbon, humic acid & fulvic acid source - along with exceptionally high levels of naturally-occurring microbial biomass 
that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%.  REV replaces depleted soil carbon & bacterial biomass - and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily 
available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code for 10% off JILL10

My Products:
2024 Complete Garden Planner
https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page: 
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Connect with Jill:   
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 

The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Show Notes:

Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide (Free Download): https://journeywithjill.lpages.co/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide/ 

Seed Starting Workshop Sign-Up: https://journeywithjill.net/seedstartingworkshop 

Organic REV
The first thing to understand about REV is that it is not an ordinary humic acid product that is chemically-extracted from leonardite, lignite, or other coals.  
Rather, it is a 100% naturally-occurring carbon, humic acid & fulvic acid source - along with exceptionally high levels of naturally-occurring microbial biomass 
that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%.  REV replaces depleted soil carbon & bacterial biomass - and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily 
available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code for 10% off JILL10

My Products:
2024 Complete Garden Planner
https://journeywithjill.net/shop/

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux

Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page: 
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Connect with Jill:   
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 

The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Beginning gardeners and growing gardeners alike will find timely conversations and how-to episodes on growing your own food. With several hundred episodes to choose from, here's where to start.

Website: https://journeywithjill.net