Feeling discouraged by garden failures? You're not alone. In this episode, I walk through four issues I faced this year and how I'm troubleshooting each one so you can apply the same practical steps in your garden. You'll learn simple ways to read plant stress, reduce disease and pest pressure, and plan smarter for next season.
free download: Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet
Your first (or best) garlic crop—timing, spacing, curing.
http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet
Key Takeaways
Why peppers sometimes need light shade in hot summers and when to add it
What root-knot nematodes look like and how cover crops can help
Signs of southern blight on peppers and prevention options
Bitter vs. diseased cucumbers: what to change next season
A gentle reminder to list your wins before planning fixes
Chapters
00:00 – Why failure grows better gardeners
02:18 – Reframe: successes you might be missing
04:12 – Failure #1: Bell peppers + full-sun stress
08:53 – Failure #2: Okra + root-knot nematodes
19:35 – Sponsor break: Organic Rev + garlic routine
21:28 – Time-sensitive: Greenstalk warehouse sale
23:06 – Failure #3: Jalapeños + southern blight clues
30:22 – Failure #4: Cucumbers—bitterness vs. downy mildew
34:36 – Reflect, note, and plan next steps
Resource Links
Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet (free): http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet
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.
Sponsor(s) for this Episode
Organic Rev – I soak garlic cloves 50/50 Rev-to-water before planting and often water in at ~1 oz/gal during cool-season transplants. Use code JILL10 for 10% off: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Greenstalk Vertical Planter – Warehouse sale through October 21. Grab closeout colors while supplies last. Use code JILL10 for $10 off $75+: https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Soft Paid Mention
Complete Garden Planner – Plan and track your season simply: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
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 mentioned 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.
