Not all plants get along in the garden, while others actually help each other grow better. Let's walk through the basics of companion planting - you’ll learn what it is, why it works, and a few easy combinations you can try in your own garden, along with a few to avoid.

Transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2026/05/companion-planting-explained.html

And if you’re ready to take it a step further, the Homegrown Garden Blueprint workbook will help you map out your entire garden with confidence, from what to plant to where it all fits together.

If you’d like an easy way to try companion planting, my free Mini Salad Garden printable shares simple plant combinations you can grow together - https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/jzof20c210

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

Starting a vegetable garden is exciting, but many new gardeners unknowingly make a few simple mistakes that can affect how well their plants grow.

In this episode, I’m sharing 4 beginner gardening mistakes and how to avoid them so your garden can grow healthier and more productive this season.

If you're just getting started and would like help planning your garden, take a look at The Homegrown Garden Blueprint, my step-by-step workbook designed to help you avoid common mistakes and grow with confidence.

Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2026/04/beginner-gardening-mistakes-how-to-avoid-them.html

Homegrown Garden Blueprint: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/p/homegrown-garden-blueprint.html

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

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

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

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

Leave 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

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

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

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/

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

Leave 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.

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.

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

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

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