The Beanstalk : A Podcast for Gardeners

The Beanstalk : A Podcast for Gardeners

🌱 The Beanstalk is your cozy companion in the garden. Whether you're planting your first seed or tending a thriving backyard patch, host John guides you through growing your own food, one episode at a time. Learn to garden with confidence, connect with nature, and become more self-reliant — right from your own suburban space.

Episodes

October 1, 2025 • 13 mins

Parsley may have a reputation as just a plate garnish, but in this episode of The Beanstalk we dig into why it’s so much more.

🌱 Learn how to grow both curly and flat-leaf parsley.
āœ‚ļø Find out the best ways to harvest and store it.
šŸ› Discover how to deal with pests like the parsley worm.

We’ll also explore parsley’s surprising history, its powerhouse nutrition, and why it’s such a helpful companion plant in the garden.

And of ...

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🌱 Episode 16 – Mint: Invincible and Aromatic 🌿


Welcome back to The Beanstalk, fellow Beans! This week we’re tackling one of the most unstoppable herbs in the garden—mint. Known for its bold fragrance, refreshing flavor, and vigorous growth, mint is both a blessing and a bit of a challenge for gardeners.

In this episode, we’ll cover:


  • The best ways to plant mint without letting it take over your garden.

  • How to grow it s...

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🌿 Episode 15 – Onions - Layered and Long-Growing


Onions may be humble, but they’re one of the most rewarding crops you can grow. In this episode of The Beanstalk, John peels back the layers on this kitchen essential—covering how to grow them from seed, sets, or transplants, why day length matters, and the secrets to harvesting and curing for long storage.


You’ll learn fun onion history, why they make you cry, and how they ca...

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🌿 Episode 14 – Basil - The King of Summer Herbs


Basil isn’t just any herb — it’s the King of Summer. In this episode of The Beanstalk, John shares why basil deserves a spot in every garden, how to grow it successfully, and the secrets to harvesting it for maximum flavor. We’ll cover common pests and problems, the pros and cons of working with this fragrant favorite, and wrap things up with a recipe for fresh, homemade basil pesto.


W...

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Episode 13 - Strawberries - The Sweet Reward of Patience

šŸ“ In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into one of the most beloved garden crops of all time — strawberries! Whether you’re after juicy June-bearing harvests, steady everbearing plants, or the flexibility of day-neutral types, strawberries can be a sweet reward for any gardener with a little patience.

We’ll cover how to plant and care for them, the importance of runn...

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🌿 Episode 12 : Rhubarb : The Tart Titan of the Garden


Welcome back to The Beanstalk! My name is John, and today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated garden crops—rhubarb. This tart perennial veggie masquerading as a fruit has deep roots in garden history and deserves a spot in your patch, especially if you're looking for a low-maintenance, high-reward plant.


In this episode, we’ll explore why rhubarb ...

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šŸŽ§ Episode 11 : Peppers : From Sweet Bells to Fiery Faves šŸŒ¶ļø

In this flavorful episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into the wide world of peppers — from the sweet crunch of bell peppers to the fiery kick of your favorite hot varieties. Learn why peppers are a must-grow crop, how to get them started strong, keep them healthy, and harvest them at peak flavor. We’ll cover common pests and problems, pros and cons, and wrap things up...

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Episode 10 : Soils : The Real Foundation of Gardening

In this special 10th episode, we’re digging deep—literally and figuratively—into the world of soil. From native dirt to raised bed mixes, compost, mulches, microbial life, and more, this one’s packed with everything you need to build a strong foundation for your garden. We’ll also touch on fixing tough soil types, handling flooding, and wrap it all up with a cozy recipe for spagh...

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Episode 9 : Cucumbers : Crunchy, Cool, and Completely Worth It

Whether you’re growing them for fresh snacking or crispy pickles, cucumbers are a summer garden favorite for good reason. In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into growing both pickling and slicing varieties, from planting and trellising to managing pests like cucumber beetles and powdery mildew. You’ll also learn how to keep your cucumbers from turning bitter, when...

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Episode 8 : Growing Kale : A Cold-Hardy Classic

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into one of the most reliable and nutrient-packed crops you can grow—kale! From curly to flat-leafed varieties, we’ll talk about why kale deserves a place in your garden, how to grow it successfully in cooler temps, and how to handle common pests like cabbage loopers. We’ll also highlight the delicious White and Red Russian kale varieties ...

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Episode 7 : Growing Garlic : The Garden MVP

Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a garden powerhouse. In this episode of The Beanstalk, I’m digging deep into how to grow garlic, from planting both hardneck and softneck varieties to harvesting delicious garlic scapes along the way. We’ll talk about timing, spacing, soil needs, and common issues to watch out for. Plus, I’ll share a simple garlic scape pesto recipe that’s perfect fo...

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Episode 6 : Tomatoes : The Crown Jewel of the Garden šŸ…
In this flavorful episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into tomatoes—the beloved staple of every summer garden. Learn how to choose the right varieties, tackle pests like hornworms, and prevent common issues like blossom end rot. We’ll also cover pruning tips and common issues. To top it off, we’re sharing a simple and delicious Garden Fresh Tomato Bruschetta recipe that ...

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Episode 5 : Growing Potatoes : Garden Gold from the Soil
Dig into the basics of growing your own potatoes! In this episode, we cover planting, hilling, harvesting, and storage tips—plus a simple and tasty recipe using your homegrown spuds. Potatoes are one of the easiest and most satisfying crops to grow. Let’s get tuber excited! šŸ„”

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Episode 4 : Growing Squash : Summer Slicers and Winter Keepers

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dig into one of the most rewarding garden crops: squash! From fast-growing zucchini to hearty winter varieties like butternut and acorn, we cover everything you need to know to grow squash successfully. Learn about common pests, tips for healthy plants, and a tasty squash recipe to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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Episode 3 : Growing Beans: One of the Easiest and Most Rewarding Crops

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re talking all things beans — bush, pole, snap, and dry. Beans are one of the easiest, most rewarding crops you can grow, and perfect for beginners. We’ll dig into planting tips, pest control, and even wrap things up with a simple garden-fresh bean recipe.

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Episode 2 : Getting Started with Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide

In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re going back to the roots — literally. Whether you’ve got a backyard, a few containers, or just a sunny windowsill, I’ll walk you through the basics of starting your gardening journey. We’ll cover what you need, how to pick your first plants, and the simple tools that make a big difference. Let’s grow something together!


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May 13, 2025 • 4 mins

Episode 1 : Welcome to the Beanstalk

Get to know your host, John, and the mission behind The Beanstalk. In this short kickoff episode, we dig into why growing your own food matters, what to expect from future episodes, and how this podcast can help you start (or grow) your gardening journey — no matter your experience level.


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