Shows
Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastListener Question: Saving Seeds From Hybrid Tomatoes (Sun Gold)Leave a comment here!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 trueWhether hybrid seeds can ever become stable or heirloomTwo practical solutions I personally use when I love a hybrid tomato and want consistent results year after yearI also share a quick bonus tip on storing cherry tomatoes so they last weeks lon...
2026-01-0705 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastGardening on a Budget: How to Save Money While Growing Your Own Healthy FoodLeave 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...
2025-10-1313 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast6 Simple Steps for Fall Garden CleanupLeave a comment here!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.htmlThe Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting: https://the-down-to-earth-guide.milotreecart.com/Subscribe and ReviewNew episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe s...
2025-09-2910 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastOverwintering Tomato PlantsLeave 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.Dow...
2025-09-1515 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastHow to Keep Produce Fresh Longer, with Amy Cross of The Cross LegacyLeave a comment here!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.htmlYou'll find Amy at The Cross Legacy on Instagram, YouTube, an...
2025-09-0128 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastHow to Save Seeds from Your Vegetable GardenLeave a comment here!Learn how to save seeds from your vegetable garden with this beginner-friendly guide. Discover the benefits of saving heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, how to avoid cross-pollination, and tips for proper seed storage. Whether you grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, or lettuce, this episode will teach you how to collect and preserve seeds for next season. Build a self-reliant garden and grow healthier, better-adapted vegetables year after year.Transcript/Related article: Why You Should Save Seeds from Your Vegetable Garden - https://www.oakhillhomestead.c...
2025-08-1813 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastWhen to Plant Your Fall GardenLeave a comment here!Timing is everything when it comes to fall gardening; your plants need enough time to mature before the first frost of autumn. In this episode we'll figure out your average first frost date, the ideal time to plant, and what vegetables to grow in a fall garden. You'll learn how to protect tender seedlings from the heat and sun, plus how to extend your harvest with succession planting. Take advantage of autumn and grow a fall garden. Transcript/Related article: When to Plant a Fall V...
2025-08-0411 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastSecrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable GardenLeave a comment here!Is your summer vegetable garden just barely hanging on? In this episode, I’m sharing ten practical strategies to help you grow a thriving garden, even when the heat is relentless and the pests move in. Uncover simple ways to water wisely, use shade to your advantage, and keep your plants healthy and productive all summer long.Transcript/Related post - Prefer to read instead?Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Gardenhttps://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/07/10-secrets-to-thriving-summer-garden.htmlGrab yo...
2025-07-2114 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastHow to Get Rid of Squash Bugs OrganicallyLeave a comment here!Squash bugs can ruin your squash harvest fast, but you can stop them without resorting to chemicals. In this episode, learn how to identify squash bug damage, how to begin prevention before you even plant your squash, and how to get rid of squash bugs organically. From resistant squash varieties and companion planting to organic pest control and prevention, you’ll get a full plan to protect your garden.Download your free printable “Companion plants for squash” here ( https://rb.gy/wp85l4...
2025-07-0713 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastGrow More in Less Space: Growing Vegetables VerticallyLeave a comment here!You can grow more food without needing more space. In this episode, we’re exploring how vertical gardening can help you maximize your garden’s potential, even in a small area. From trellises to arches and cages, I’ll walk you through simple tools and techniques to grow crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, melons, and more - up instead of out. You’ll also discover why growing vertically isn’t just about saving space; there are some surprising benefits that can make your garden healthier and more productive too. Plus, I’ll share a fe...
2025-06-2313 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastWhy You Should Grow Flowers in Your Vegetable GardenLeave a comment here!This week we're digging into the many benefits of growing flowers right alongside your vegetables. From controlling pests to attracting pollinators and improving soil health, flowers are more than just eye candy.Learn how to use flowers for companion planting, where to place trap crops for maximum pest protection, which flowers grow best with common vegetables - and which ones don't!Even if you’re gardening in containers, flowers can play a big role in your garden’s health and beauty. Let’s bring your garden to life, one flower...
2025-06-0911 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastQuick Wins: Fast-Growing VegetablesLeave a comment here!You can grow fresh, homegrown food in just a few weeks! In this episode, you’ll discover some of the fastest-growing vegetables, plus when and how to harvest them. You’ll also learn about the quickest crops of all: sprouts and microgreens. Even if you’re short on time or space, you can grow food fast. Bonus: these quick-growing vegetables are perfect for beginners!What are the fastest-growing vegetables? How long before I can harvest looseleaf lettuce? How can I choose fast-growing varieties? Find out in this episode.Downlo...
2025-05-2611 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastVolunteer Plants: How to Use Them WiselyLeave a comment here!Have you ever spotted a surprise seedling in your garden bed and wondered if it’s a weed or something worth keeping? In this episode we'll dive into the world of volunteer plants - those unexpected, self-sown seedlings that pop up on their own. You’ll learn where they come from, how to identify them, and whether to let them grow, move them to a better spot, or toss them in the compost. You'll find practical tips and fresh appreciation for the volunteer plants in your vegetable garden. You might be growi...
2025-05-1313 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastGardening Tips, Farm Life, and the CowPots Story with guest Amanda FreundLeave a comment here!Join host Kathi Rodgers and guest Amanda Freund as they share advice and tips for new gardeners, chat about farm life, and Amanda tells the story of the creation of CowPots, a sustainable alternative to peat and plastic seed-starting pots.Transcript/Related postVisit CowPots' website for more information: https://cowpots.com CowPots for home gardeners: https://cowpots.com/for-home-gardeners/Keep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead websiteFacebookI...
2025-04-2822 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastHow to Transplant Tomatoes the Right WayLeave a comment here!Timing is everything when it comes to transplanting tomatoes in your garden! In this episode, we're digging into how to transplant tomatoes the right way so they'll thrive in their new home. You'll learn when to transplant tomatoes outside, the best time of day to transplant tomatoes, and how deep to transplant tomatoes for strong, healthy plants. We’ll also talk about how to prevent and manage transplant shock in tomatoes. Give your tomatoes the best start possible!Get your free Tom...
2025-04-1408 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastWhat To Do With Green Tomatoes in the FallLeave a comment here!If you're growing tomatoes in your backyard vegetable garden, you'll probably have green tomatoes left on your plants at the end of the season. If you're wondering what you can do with those green tomatoes, you'll appreciate these suggestions to ripen your green tomatoes before the first fall frost, and to get the most out of your harvest.Can you make your green tomatoes turn red? Can you save your tomato plants from frost? What can you do with green tomatoes? You'll find out in this episode.Click here...
2024-09-0412 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastSurvival Seeds, Are They Necessary?Leave a comment here!Should you invest in a survival seed kit? These pre-packaged seeds are meant to be stored away long-term until you have to start growing your own food after an emergency or world-wide crisis.Here's why a survival seed kit might be a good option, but perhaps not your best option. I'll tell you why, and what to do instead - even if you already have a package of survival seeds stashed away for an uncertain future, which really isn't a bad idea! Transcript/Related Post: Survival...
2024-07-2312 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast9 Warm Weather Vegetables That Will Thrive in Your Summer GardenLeave a comment here!In this episode, we explore nine summer vegetables that thrive in hot weather. Learn essential tips and suggestions for growing these heat-loving vegetables in your backyard garden. Plus, discover the secrets to maximizing your harvest from your garden this summer. Let's dig in!Transcript/Related Post:9 Warm-Weather Vegetables for your Summer Gardenhttps://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2023/05/9-warm-weather-vegetables-to-grow.htmlRelated Links:How to Transplant Tomato PlantsHow to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers
2024-06-1218 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastThe Benefits of Composting for Your Backyard GardenLeave a comment here!Discover the benefits of composting for your vegetable garden, and the advantages of composting at home. Composting your yard waste and kitchen garbage is the best way to improve your garden. Here are four reasons you should be composting, in honor of Learn About Composting Day.RELATED POST: 4 Reasons You Should Be Compostinghttps://bit.ly/compostreasonsThe natural antidepressant in dirt is mycobacterium vaccae. Purchase my ebook The Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting on sale until June 3r...
2024-05-2916 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastWhich Tomato Variety is Best for Your Garden?Leave a comment here!Nine out of 10 gardeners grow tomatoes, making it the most popular garden vegetable to grow. And there are more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes to choose from. Let’s explore the differences - heirlooms vs hybrid varieties, determinate vs indeterminate growing habits, and the six different sizes and shapes of tomatoes.Which one is best for you? It depends on what you want to do with your tomatoes - whether you want to add them to a salad, top a burger or sandwich, make sauce, or enjoy a snack fresh fr...
2024-04-2116 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast7 Easy-to-Grow Spring VegetablesLeave a comment here!Discover seven easy-to-grow cool-season plants ideal for your backyard garden. From vibrant greens to flavorful root vegetables plus a delicious fruit, you'll learn about these easy-to-grow spring vegetables and why it's important that you know how to grow your own food.Transcript/related post: 7 Easy Cool-Season Vegetables to PlantGrow Guides Sweet and Sour Beet recipeEpisode 3: How to Plant GarlicKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebook
2024-04-0715 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastHow to Plant Potatoes in ContainersLeave a comment here!Potatoes are a great way to make ends meet, and you can save even more money by growing them in containers. There are a few things you need to pay attention to though, and we'll discuss them in this episode. Let's dig in!Transcript/related post:How to Plant Potatoes in ContainersKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookInstagramPinterestSubscribe and ReviewNew episodes drop...
2024-02-1415 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastSeeds vs Transplants in Your Vegetable GardenShould you plant seeds in your vegetable garden or buy transplants instead? Transplants are a quick and easy "instant garden," but some plants don't like to be transplanted. Learn which plants you should plant from seeds, which you can transplant into the garden, and how to choose healthy transplants. Transcript/Related Post: Seeds vs Transplants in Your Vegetable GardenGet your free cheat sheet for transplants hereKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookI...
2024-02-0700 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastWhat to Plant in a Vegetable GardenLeave a comment here!What will you grow in your backyard vegetable garden? Choosing what to grow in a garden can be overwhelming with all the choices that are available. These tips will walk you through the steps of how to choose the vegetables and fruits to plant in your backyard garden.You'll find suggested vegetable varieties for small gardens in Episodes #3 and #5.Transcript/related post:7 Tips to Choose What to Plant in a Vegetable GardenRelated Links:Dirty Dozen list
2024-01-1615 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastBenefits of Growing in Raised Garden BedsLeave a comment here!Every inch of soil counts in a backyard garden, and raised garden beds can be a game-changer, an efficient solution with many benefits. From soil improvement to better use of your garden space, learn about the advantages of raised garden beds, and about some of the disadvantages too. Let’s dig in!Transcript/related post:The Advantages of Raised Garden BedsGet your free set of printable plans and materials list to build your own raised garden bed.Keep in touch!...
2024-01-0313 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastGrow a Salad Garden in a Small SpaceLeave a comment here!Here are my 8 secrets to growing a successful salad garden in a small space, a flowerbed or in plant pots and containers. You can grow a healthy salad almost anywhere, even if you're short on garden space and have little gardening experience.Transcript (and free guide to choosing plants for a salad garden):Grow a Salad Garden in a Small SpaceKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookInstagram...
2023-12-1319 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastHow to Recover from a Bad Garden YearLeave a comment here!How do you deal with a disappointing garden season? Have you tried gardening in the past but you were far from successful and you're not sure you want to try again?Some years are like that. In fact, I have a confession to make, and I’m going to spill the beans in this episode. Let’s dig in!Transcript/related post:Recovering from a Bad Garden YearKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookIn...
2023-11-2913 min
Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastPlanting Garlic in Your Backyard Garden or ContainersLeave a comment here!How to plant garlic in your backyard garden or in containers. Garlic is easy to plant and easy to grow. Learn about: types of garlic when to plant garlic where to buy garlic bulbs for planting how to plant garlic companion plants for garlicTranscript (and more information about growing garlic!):Planting Garlic in Your Backyard Garden or in Containers Find me here:Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookInstagramP...
2023-11-1513 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastGrowing Vegetables in Containers and PotsLeave a comment here!Do you want to grow vegetables and herbs but don't have room for a garden? Grow in containers instead! Learn how to choose the right containers and pots for your plants, and what plants work best in a container garden.Transcript (and more info about growing vegetables in containers):Growing Vegetables in Containers and PotsKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookInstagramPinterestSubscribe and Review
2023-11-1511 minHomegrown: Your Backyard Garden PodcastWhy You Should Plant a GardenLeave a comment here!Whether you've tried to garden before, or you're brand new to the idea - whether you have a tiny backyard or none at all - here's why you should start a garden. Explore the possibilities with Kathi Rodgers, in this first episode of HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast.Transcript:Why you should plant a garden - How to start a garden for beginnersKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookInstagramPinterest
2023-11-0708 min
HobbyScool36: How to Grow a Mini Salad Garden in a Small Space with Kathi RodgersIn this episode, gardening expert, Kathi Rodgers, shares her knowledge on how to create a mini salad garden that is both space-efficient and pesticide-free. With increasing concerns around food safety, more people are looking to grow their own produce, and Kathi offers tips and advice for beginners looking to start their own salad garden. From choosing the right plants to identifying a suitable growing space, she covers all the basics, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to grow their own fresh and healthy produce.
Mentioned In This Episode
Where you can find Kathi: Website
2023-03-2923 min
HobbyScoolHow to Get Started Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Containers With Kathi RodgersAre you interested in learning how to start growing your own herbs and vegetables even if you don't have a ton of space? In this episode on the HobbyScool podcast, I chat with Kathi Rodgers with Oak Hill Homestead.
Specifically, we cover:
Do you need a lot of space to grow vegetables?
What vegetables and herbs can you grow in containers
How to decide what to grow
What you can use as a container
Listen in to learn tips on how to grow your own garden in a small contained space.
Links mentioned in...
2022-08-1719 min
Old Fashioned On PurposeS9 E2 - Homesteading During the Golden Years: Is it Possible?Today's guest, Kathi Rodgers of Oakhillhomestead.com, not only encourages us that it is possible to homestead effectively throughout the retirement years, but she gives us practical tips to downsizing wisely, and effectively tweaking the way you do things, as you look toward homesteading during the golden years.Where you can find Kathi :oakhillhomestead.com facebook.com/OakHillHomestead instagram.com/oakhillhomesteadReady to join the newsletter for mavericks who value free-thinking, ditching the status quo, and taking charge of every part of our lives? Click now! https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/freethinker
2022-04-2535 min