What to Plant in July (Yes, You Still Can!)

Think it’s too late to plant? Think again. In this episode of the Beginner’s Garden Podcast, Jill shares exactly what you can still plant in July—whether you're refreshing your summer garden or squeezing in one more round before fall. From quick-growing veggies to heat-tolerant flowers and herbs, you'll walk away with a solid mid-season planting plan and key tips to help your garden thrive in the heat.

In this episode:

• Fast-growing warm-season vegetables to plant now

• Heat-loving herbs and how to grow them

• Flowers that thrive in summer and attract pollinators

• Tips for managing heat, soil, and moisture in mid-season

• How to plan based on your frost date and zone

• The value of succession planting in July

• A special tip on using Organic REV to reduce transplant stress and boost resilience

Bonus invitation:
Join Jill for a Live Garden Q&A Zoom Session on July 9 at 12 PM Central.
Dream to Garden students are already invited, but if you’re not enrolled, you can join the call for just $15. Submit your questions in advance or ask them live—and yes, you’ll get the replay too.

Reserve your spot: journeywithjill.net/shop
Try Organic REV and save 10% with code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com

Have you ever wondered if you could grow mushrooms right alongside your tomatoes? I hadn’t either—until recently. In today’s episode, I chat with Matt McInnis from North Spore about how beginners can grow mushrooms in their garden beds, mulch, or even garden paths.

This episode is part beginner’s guide, part real-time experiment. After my conversation with Matt, I share my honest experiences growing mushrooms in my own raised beds—what worked, what surprised me, and what I’ll do differently next time.

Whether you’re mushroom-curious or looking for new ways to improve your garden’s soil health, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible with homegrown fungi.

🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Easy ways to grow mushrooms in garden beds, mulch, and paths

• Why mushrooms might improve your soil and help your crops

• What kind of moisture and light they need

• How to cook, preserve, and enjoy them—even if you’re not a mushroom lover

• Jill’s first-hand experience growing oysters, winecap, and almond agaricus

If you are wanting to check them out for yourself, you can go to their website and use my code JILL10 for 10% off your order.

If your raised beds are running out of steam mid-summer, give them a boost with Organic REV. It helps recharge tired soil and supports plants through the heat.
🛒 Use code JILL10 to save on your order at OrganicREV.com.

Show Notes:

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.)

"I rarely use fertilizer."
If you've listened to this podcast or joined a coaching call, you've probably heard me say that. And for years, it’s been true. I’ve focused more on building healthy soil than feeding plants. But recently, I’ve started rethinking that approach — and today I’m sharing why.

In this episode, we’ll explore how my mindset has shifted, plus:

• The difference between organic and synthetic fertilizers

• How to fertilize based on the type of crop

• Why your method matters more if you're growing in containers, raised beds, or in-ground

• How to apply fertilizer correctly so you don’t waste time or money

By the end, I hope you’ll feel more confident in deciding whether — and how — to fertilize your own garden this season.

🌿Want to keep your plants thriving through the heat, stop pests naturally, and handle issues as they come up? Join me live tonight for my Summer Workshop: Grow • Nurture • Protect! You’ll also get a bonus preserving workshop replay.
👉 journeywithjill.net/summerworkshop

I use Organic REV all season to boost microbial life, improve root growth, and help plants handle stress. Great for transplants, succession planting, and heat resilience.
💧 Use code JILL10 to save at OrganicREV.com

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

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.)

By mid-June, your garden is thriving—but pests are waking up too. Some are just a nuisance, while others can wreak serious havoc. In today’s episode, we’re talking about 5 common summer pests, how to spot them early, and what you can do to manage them using organic methods.

You’ll learn:
🪰 How to deal with aphids without wrecking your beneficial insect population
🐞 The best time and way to stop squash bugs before they ruin your harvest
🐛 Why tomato hornworms show up when they do—and what to do about them
🛡️ How to deter stink bugs before they damage your tomatoes and peppers
🐞 And how to manage cucumber beetles & protect against bacterial wilt

Whether you're dealing with a few chewed leaves or a full-on infestation, this episode will give you clear, effective strategies to protect your garden—without reaching for harsh chemicals.

🌿 Want to go deeper?
Join me for the Summer Gardening Workshop on June 17 at 7 PM Central, where we’ll dive into pest prevention, plant health, and what to do when things go wrong. Your $19 ticket includes a replay + bonus preserving workshop! Use code SUMMER25 to save.
👉 journeywithjill.net/summerworkshop

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

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.)

June might feel like the honeymoon phase in the garden — everything’s green, lush, and thriving. But don’t let the beauty fool you — this is a critical time to stay proactive if you want a healthy, productive summer garden. 💪

In this episode, I’m sharing what to plant, prune, harvest, and watch for in June — plus a sneak peek at an upcoming live workshop that you won’t want to miss! 👀

📝 Here’s what we’ll cover:
🥬 What to do with bolting lettuce, spinach & other cool-season crops
🌱 Heat-loving crops to plant now (yes, it’s not too late!)
✂️ How and when to harvest herbs & prune basil for continuous growth
🌻 Flower & herb upkeep — deadheading, staking, and more
🐛 What pests to look out for (and what to do when you spot them)
💦 Watering tips for containers and raised beds
🔥 Why June is a great time to build soil health and how I use Organic REV all season long
📆 Coming June 17: A brand-new Summer Garden Workshop all about pest prevention, disease control, and how to grow stronger, more resilient plants 🌿✨

🎧 Tune in for practical tips to help your garden thrive in the summer heat — and get ready for even more support in the workshop later this month!

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

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.)

Ever wondered if you can actually grow apple trees organically—and get fruit? Or maybe you’ve got a tree that’s not thriving and you’re not sure why. In this episode, certified arborist and fruit tree expert Susan Poizner joins me to answer the most common questions about growing apple trees at home.

We’ll talk about:
🍎 Choosing the right variety & planting tips
🍎 What your young tree needs in years 1–3 for long-term success
🍎 How to revive a neglected or underperforming tree
🍎 Organic pest control that actually works
🍎 When and how to prune for health and productivity

Plus, we tackle listener questions about borers, bark peeling, spraying schedules, squirrel damage, watering, and where to buy quality trees.

If you’ve got an apple tree—or want to grow one—you don’t want to miss this episode!

🎧 Listen now and grow with confidence.

Follow along with Susan on Facebook & Instagram: @orchardpeople

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes | Heirloom Roses

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.

Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order.

Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.

Garden in Minutes

Water your raised beds more efficiently and effectively with the Garden in Minutes Garden Grids. These garden grids take about 1 minute to set up, water all of your plants evenly at their base, and ship in pre-assembled sections! No messy emitters or tangle of tubing. Just connect & grow! https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes

Discount Code: Use promo code JILL for 7% off your purchase

Heirloom Roses

HeirloomRoses.com has over 900 roses to choose from and hundreds of perennials and bulbs for your complete garden dreams. Get yours today and check out their selections here.

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.)